6 Ducats

Bern's multi-ducat pieces of this period were not struck for circulation but almost certainly as presentation pieces — diplomatic gifts or honoraria distributed by the city council to visiting dignitaries and allied powers. The Swiss confederate cities maintained this practice well into the eighteenth century, and Bern, as one of the dominant cantonal powers, issued with particular frequency. Surviving examples in any condition are genuinely scarce; most that exist today passed through very few hands before reaching collections.

The Friedberg 158a designation places this among a small recognized group, with HMZ distinguishing the subvariety at 207c.