½ Batzen

The ½ Batzen 1809 coin from the Canton of Basel was minted during a time of great economic and political change in Europe. The Napoleonic Wars had recently ended, and the Congress of Vienna was held in 1815, which led to the reorganization of Europe's political landscape. Despite these changes, the Canton of Basel continued to mint its own coins, including the ½ Batzen, which was a small silver coin that was widely used in everyday transactions. One interesting fact about this coin is that it was made of Billon, which is an alloy of silver and copper. This was a common practice during this time period, as it allowed for the production of coins that were more durable and resistant to wear and tear than pure silver coins. The use of Billon in coinage also made it possible to produce coins with a lower silver content, which helped to reduce the cost of production and make the coins more affordable for the general population. Overall, the ½ Batzen 1809 coin from the Canton of Basel is a fascinating piece of history that provides a glimpse into the economic and political climate of Europe during this time period. Its unique composition and design make it a valuable addition to any coin collection.

• modern