1 Thaler / 5 Franc    (sold for $229.0)

1879, Switzerland, Basel (Canton). Beautiful Silver Shooting Thaler (5 Fr.) Coin. 

Mint Year: 1879
References: KM-XS14.
Region: Basel (Switzerland)
Denomination: 5 Francs ("Shooting Thaler")
Condition: Numerous small pin-marks and hairlines, otherwise a nicely toned AU+ with attractive mint luster!
Material: Silver (.835)
Diameter: 37mm
Weight: 25gm

Obverse: Winged dragon holding the coat of arms of Basel with value below surrounded by a circle of shields.
Legend: EIDG. SCHÜTZENFEST IN BASEL 1879 / 5 Fr.
Translated: "Confederational shooting festival in Basel, 1879. 5 Francs."

Reverse: Front facing walking laborer with a long double-handed sword in hand.
Legend: DAS SCHWERT ZUR HAND IM HERZEN GOTT. SO WIRD D. SCHWEIZER NIE Z. SPOTT
Translated: "With sword in his hand and God in his heart, so will the Swiss never be disgraced."

Basel is Switzerland's third most populous city. Located in northwest Switzerland on the river Rhine, Basel functions as a major industrial centre for the chemical and pharmaceutical industry. The city borders both Germany and France. The Basel region, culturally extending into German Baden-Württemberg and French Alsace, reflects the heritage of its three states in the modern Latin name: "Regio TriRhena". It has the oldest university of the Swiss Confederation (1460).