Dicken

Historical Context: The 1628 Dicken from the Republic of Valais emerges from a complex political landscape. While nominally a "Republic" of seven autonomous Zenden, Valais was governed by a Prince-Bishop, Hildebrand von Riedmatten (1613-1640), within the Old Swiss Confederacy. This period, preceding the full impact of the Thirty Years' War, saw Valais striving for neutrality while navigating internal power struggles and external pressures from surrounding European powers. The Dicken, a significant billon denomination, reflects the economic realities of the era, where precious metal scarcity often necessitated debasement, yet a stable currency was vital for the Alpine trade routes through the Simplon Pass.

Artistry: Specific engraver identities for Valaisan billon issues of this era are generally unrecorded. The coin's artistry aligns with the regional Swiss-Germanic numismatic tradition of the early 17th century, characterized by a blend of late Renaissance and nascent Baroque styles, often with a somewhat provincial execution compared to major European mints. Iconography typically features the patron saint of Valais, St. Theodul, often depicted with his mitre and the bull, or the Valaisan arms (thirteen stars) and the Prince-Bishop's personal arms, symbolizing both spiritual and temporal authority. The legends would typically invoke the Prince-Bishop and the collective Valaisan entity.

Technical/Grading: As a billon issue, the 1628 Valais Dicken presents specific grading challenges. Expect variability in strike, with high-points such as St. Theodul's facial features, the bull's head, or intricate heraldic details often exhibiting weakness. Legends, particularly those near the rim, are frequently incomplete or softly struck. The billon planchet itself is prone to laminations, surface irregularities, and uneven toning, ranging from dark grey to greenish corrosion. A well-centered strike, full legends, and a stable, attractive patina free from active corrosion or significant planchet flaws would elevate a specimen significantly above the typical circulated examples.