5 Rappen

Historical Context: The 1826 5 Rappen was issued by the Canton of Basel during Switzerland's Restoration. Post-Napoleonic, cantons regained significant sovereignty, including minting rights, reflecting Basel's prominence as an urban and financial center in the re-established Swiss Confederacy. This coinage predates the 1833 cantonal division, signifying unified authority amidst urban-rural tensions. Billon facilitated daily commerce in Basel's robust economy, showcasing independent cantonal monetary policy before federalization.

Artistry: The 1826 Basel 5 Rappen exemplifies the functional, heraldic aesthetic of early 19th-century Swiss cantonal coinage. The obverse features the Baselstab, the canton's traditional crozier emblem, rendered with clear lines. The reverse displays "5 RAPPEN" and "1826" within a simple wreath, reflecting neoclassical influences