SWITZERLAND. Genf (Geneva). Kanton. Medal (Silver, 50 mm, 59.32 g, 12 h), awarded to the Bernese and Zurich officers of the Swiss Garrison of Genève during the French Invasion of 1692-1697. By W. Dassier, no date (circa 1697-1705). ✱RESPVBLICA✱GENEVENSIS✱ Coat of arms: above, Radiant sun with Ω / IHS at center. Rev. POST•TENEBRAS•LVX / •GENEVA• - •CIVITAS• on banner above coat of arms and city view of Geneva with Lac Léman. Demole 80. Haller 85 var. (with date 1692). SM 1525. SNR XVII, 3. Wunderly 3480 var. (with date 1692). Very rare. A highly attractive piece with wonderful old cabinet toning. Minor doubling and a small flan fault on the obverse, otherwise, good extremely fine.



According to the alliance treaty of 1584, Geneva, Zurich, and Bern were obligated to assist each other in times of war. Such an alliance case occurred in 1692 when Victor-Amadeus II (1666-1732), the Duke of Savoy, joined the Habsburgs in the Nine Years' War (1688-1697) against Louis XIV (1638-1715) in 1690. In response, Louis XIV's forces invaded Savoy and Lorraine. At the same time, the French troops also entered the Geneva region for strategic reasons, attempting to occupy the city. In turn, Bern and Zurich fulfilled their obligations by sending reinforcements to the Geneva garrison. The French attack was successfully repelled, and the allied Swiss troops remained stationed in Geneva until 1697.

Officers of this coalition were awarded these impressive medals by the city council. This medal thus represents not only the broader struggles of the Nine Years' War but also the Swiss loyalty to their alliance, serving as a magnificent testament to the art of medal engraving.