1 Batzen / 10 Rappen

The 1 Batzen / 10 Rappen 1805 coin from the Canton of Solothurn was minted during a time of great economic and political change in Switzerland. The country was in the process of transitioning from a collection of independent states to a unified federal state, and the coinage of the time reflects this shift. The 1 Batzen / 10 Rappen coin was one of the first coins to be minted by the newly formed Swiss Confederation, and it features a unique blend of traditional and modern design elements. The obverse side of the coin features the coat of arms of the Canton of Solothurn, while the reverse side features a stylized image of a wreath surrounded by the denomination and mintage year. The use of Billon, a copper and silver alloy, was a common practice during this time period, as it was a more affordable alternative to pure silver or gold. Despite its relatively low value, the 1 Batzen / 10 Rappen coin is a fascinating piece of numismatic history and a testament to the economic and political changes that were taking place in Switzerland during the early 19th century.

• modern