SWITZERLAND. Neuchatel. Pistole, 1694. Marie dOrleans-Nemours (1694-1707). NGC AU Details--Polished.Fr-340; cf. KM-27 (as silver 16 Kreuzer); cf. HMZ-2-685a (as silver 16 Kreuzer). 6.73 grams. Obverse: Crowned quartered shield, "OCVLI . DOMINE. SVPER. IVSTOS" (translated: "The Eye of the Lord is on the Just") around; Reverse: Cruciform Ms, lis in the angles and "16" at center, Latin title "MARIA. D.G. PR. NOVICASTRI" and date around. One of just two examples known of this off-metal gold presentation striking from the issued 16 Kreuzer dies, and the only piece available to collectors, with the other example residing in the Neuchatel Museum. This example displays a sharp strike, with only a touch of incompleteness along small portions of the outer dentils, and soft orange toning accents that outline many of the design features. In the fields, attractive natural gleam mixes with a few well-disguised marks and lighter forms of handling. While likely set in jewelry at one point, this piece was obviously well cared for and is undeniably pleasing in hand, making the "polished" notation by NGC seem a bit overstated. An absolutely landmark opportunity for the specialist collector, considering the fascinating history of Neuchatel (see in part below) and the incredible rarity of this piece.<p><em>Marie deOrleans-Longueville (1625-1707) was born in Paris to Henri dOrleans, Duke of Longueville and Louise de Bourbon. In 1657, she married the Henri of Savoy, Duke of Nemours and became the Duchess of Nemours. Decades later, upon the death of her brother, she succeeded him as sovereign of Neuchatel, gaining the titles Princess of Neuchatel. Although she remained a prominent member of the French royal court, she continued to hold these Swiss titles until her death in 1707 at the age of 82. Having no children to her name, the </em><em>Orleans-Longueville line, which has first inherited the territory in 1504, ended. King Frederick of Prussia, a Protestant, was chosen among fifteen potential successors in 1708, with the Prussian link carrying forward to 1798 when Napoleon took control. Following the Liberation Wars in 1814, German oversight was restored under Frederick William III. A year later, the principality was allowed to join the Swiss Confederation as a full member, making </em><em>Neuchatel unique as the only monarchy among the republican Swiss cantons. </em><p>
