Schweiz / Switzerland / Suisse / Swizzera 20 Franken 1871, Durussel. Prägung in Gold . Gerippter Rand. Divo 11. Sehr selten. Erstabschlag. PCGS SP64. FDC. 20 Francs 1871, Durussel. Struk in gold. Reeded edge. Divo 11. Very rare. PCGS SP64. Specimen striking! Prooflike Erstabschlag
Foreign Coins, Switzerland, pattern 20 francs, 1871, engraved by Durussel, crowned head l., in circle of stars, date below, rev. HELVETIA, shield of arms between sprigs, value below (KM.Pn19, Fr.492), certified and graded by PCGS as Specimen 64, a beautiful example having a full proof impression of the dies and lovely colour, very rare
Edouard Durussel (1842-1888) apprenticed in Switzerland but was trained at the Royal Mint, London, for three years, recommended by Antoine Bovy, he was employed as an engraver in Paris from 1865-67, after which he married in London and again worked as an engraver. In 1869, he settled in Berne and set up a die-sinking business, principally producing medals from 1876-88. This pattern for the gold 20 francs was one of his finest pieces, which he himself described as portraying a symbolic image of Liberty. All of his patterns are very rare, this one especially so, the dies were destroyed in 1890, shortly after Durussel's death.
Price realized | 48'000 CHF |
Starting price | 48'000 CHF |