Dicken

Historical Context: The 1628 Dicken from the Republic of Valais emerges from a period of complex political autonomy within the Old Swiss Confederacy. Valais, a prince-bishopric with significant power vested in its secular Dizains, maintained its right of coinage (Münzrecht) reflecting its economic self-governance. This era predates the full impact of the Thirty Years' War on Swiss territories, representing a time when local mints like Valais continued to issue currency vital for regional trade and daily transactions, asserting sovereignty through its numismatic output.

Artistry: While the engraver of this particular Dicken remains anonymous, its design adheres to the provincial Late Renaissance aesthetic common in Swiss cantonal coinage. The obverse typically features the prominent arms of Valais, often displaying the seven stars representing the Dizains, sometimes superimposed on a cross or shield. The reverse commonly depicts Saint Theodul, the patron saint of Valais, either standing with his attributes or a detailed cross, rendered with a direct, functional style rather than high Baroque flourish.

Technical/Grading: Struck in billon, a low-silver alloy, this 7.97 gram, 25 mm Dicken inherently presents challenges for preservation. High-points susceptible to wear include the details of the seven stars on the shield, any facial features or drapery on Saint Theodul, and the legends. Due to the nature of billon and 17th-century minting techniques, strikes are often uneven, potentially off-center, or exhibit weakness, particularly at the periphery. Planchet irregularities and minor flan cracks are also common technical characteristics.