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Rappen Gold trial strike
| Issuer | City of Lucerne |
|---|---|
| Year | 1774 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Log in to see details |
| Currency | New Thaler (1773-1797) |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Diameter | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Central field bears the coat of arms of Lucerne displayed on an ornate oval shield with elaborate scroll-work surround. A palm frond rises to the left of the shield and a laurel branch to the right, framing the arms in a symmetrical decorative composition. The initial 'B', likely referencing the engraver or mint authority, appears in the field. The overall design reflects the refined baroque engraving style characteristic of Swiss cantonal coinage of the late 18th century. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Log in to see details |
| Obverse lettering | B |
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| Additional information |
Lucerne's 1774 gold Rappen trial strike was never intended for circulation — it exists as a presentation or die-trial piece produced to demonstrate the engraving work before committing to a base-metal production run. Such gold probes were occasionally struck for cantonal authorities or wealthy patrons, and their survival rates are extremely low given the small numbers made and the temptation to melt them for bullion value.
The Wielandt reference and HMZ cataloguing both treat this as a confirmed pattern, not a fantasy piece — the die correspondence with the issued copper Rappen is established.