Sale: Triton IX, Lot: 1980. Estimate $300.  Closing Date: Monday, 9 January 2006.  Sold For $250. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

SWITZERLAND, Everlasting League. Gilt AR "Bundestaler" (17.94 g, 12h). By Hans Jacob Stampfer, circa 1505-1579. Probably struck 1546, for the supposed 250th anniversary of the Everlasting League. + WILHELM TELL VON VRE • STOVFFACHER VO SCHWYTZ • ERNI VO VNDERWALD, ANFANG DESS PVNTZ IM IAR CHRISTI 1296, oath-taking scene in the meadow of Rütli / Double circle of coat-of-arms of the twenty cantons. Wunderly 3414; Forrer V, p. 658. VF, gilt except for the faces of the men and some design elements of the arms, fields chased. ($300)

The compact agreed to by the leaders of Uri, Schwyz, and Nidwalden actually took place in August 1291, but until the 19th century there was uncertainty about the date, hence the year 1296 on this medal. It is unlikely that William Tell took part in the ceremony, whether he was a historical figure or not.