Basel, gold double taler of 1741

Description

Starting in 1680 Basel decorated its own coinage not just with traditional emblems such as the basilisk and bishop’s staff but also with views of the city – the imperial eagle having become obsolete when the Swiss Confederacy gained independence from the Holy Roman Empire in 1648. The job of designing such motifs often went to stamp cutters of renown and there are countless views on coins which echo certain engravings dating from the same period. The mints with views of the city were always more than just legal tender and were popular as gifts as well, while the rather less attractive, French-made Laubtaler were used for the humdrum business of buying and selling. Coins minted in gold of considerable weight and value could be commissioned as a special honour or token of thanks for diplomats or other personalities of note.