SWITZERLAND. Bern. Stadt and Kanton. Halbtaler 1679 (Silver, 34 mm, 13.68 g, 12 h). +MONETA◦REIPVBLICÆ◦BERNENSIS Ornated coat of arms. Rev. BENEDICTVS•SIT•IEHOVA•DEVS 1679 Large cross formed out of four double Bs, [1/2 in center]. Divo/Tobler 1134a. Lohner -, cf. 207-241. HMZ 2-191a. An extremely rare variety. Nicely toned. Small areas of weakness and minor deposits, otherwise, very fine.


Since mint master Johann Rudolf Willading had acquired the Bern mint at considerable cost, Lohner suggests that he authorized an unusually large coinage to ensure the venture remained profitable. This likely explains the extraordinary diversity of half-thaler varieties dated 1679.

The present variety is not listed by Lohner, although individual elements, such as the ornamented cross and the rings, appear in his descriptions of other half-thaler varieties from the same year.