Thaler Census Token - Sedecimviri ND

Reverse

Man and woman's armoured arms shaking hands. Crossed sword and scepter behind. Wreath above. Sun with rays at the top.

Script: Latin

Lettering: ✤ · LIBERIS CVRÆ LIBERTAS

Comment

The Sedecimviri, or Council of Sixteen, formed an ancient tribunal in Bern, that had the right to collect a census from every member of the government yearly, on Maunday Thursday. Certain fees were allowed collected by the Sixteen officials. On the 30th March 1666 silver pieces with the weight of 1 Thaler were minted for this purpose. These were later increased to double thalers, and finally to five rix-thalers. Pieces in gold of the value of 4½ Louis d'or are also known.

References:
• Gottlieb Emanuel von Haller - Schweizerisches Münz- und Medaillenkabinet, Bern, 1780 ⸺ i. pages. 329-330.
• Reginald Stuart Poole - A Descriptive Catalogue of the Swiss Coins in the South Kensington Museum, London, 1878 ⸺ #11, page 88.
• - Catalogue de la Grande Collection de Monnaies et Médailles de Mr. Léopold Welzl de Wellenheim, Vol. I., Vienna, 1845 ⸺ #5636, page 297.

Examples of this type:
• Example #1 (27.05g, Extremely Fine) - in main image:
◦ Auctioned by SINCONA AG, Auction 30, 20 May 2016, Lot 3572. Sold for 475 CHF.