Sale: CNG 67, Lot: 2004. Estimate $300.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 22 September 2004.  Sold For $450. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

SWITZERLAND, Beromünster Abbey. 18th-19th century. AR Gulden (Michelspfennig) (13.83 gm). Ulrich Brup[p]acher, engraver. Garnished coat-of-arms of Beromünster; U.B below / Archangel Michael, holding thunderbolt and shield, trampling left on a dragon; ULRICH. B. below. Engrailed edge. Inwyler 40; KM 4. Near EF, toned, slight marks from previous mounting. Rare. ($300)

Forrer (I, pg. 171) identifies a Johann Ulrich Bruppacher as mintmaster at Lucerne, 1714-1746. The "Michelpfennige" of Beromünster were first struck in 1720, on the 1000th anniversary of the founding of the abbey by Bero of Lenzberg in the canton of Lucerne. The dates spanned by the careers of the identified engravers suggest they were struck for at least 100 years afterwards, being presented as awards and gifts to honored recipients.