Triton XIV, Lot: 1452. Estimate $2000. Sold for $2300. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

SWITZERLAND, Zürich. AR Guldiner (43mm, 29.71 g, 6h). Dated 1512. Crowned imperial coat of arms flanked by two seated lions above two Zürich coats of arms; all within circle of 16 coats of arms / MON NOV THVRICENSIS CIVIT IMPERILIS, Saints Felix, Regula, and Exuperantius standing facing, holding their decapitated heads in their hands; 1512 below. HMZ 2-1122a; Davenport 8771. VF, removed from mount, obverse fields chased.

From the HLT Collection.

This coin, with its rendition of the patron saints of the city, represents the first issue of talers from Zürich. According to tradition, Felix and Regula, along with their servant Exuperantius, were Christians executed in Zürich in AD 286. After they were boiled in oil and forced to drink molten lead, the trio still refused to renounce their faith. Their executioner then cut off their heads, after which the three picked up the decapitated heads, walked forty paces, and knelt in prayer. Only then did they die. Two churches in Zürich were later built to commemorate the saints. The Wasserkirche was built over the site of their execution, while the Grossmünster lies on the site of their graves.