★ On the early 18th century reconstruction of the Zunfthaus zur Saffran, where Leu holds its floor auctions ★

SWITZERLAND. Zürich. Stadt. Medal 1774 (Silver, 50 mm, 39.60 g, 12 h), on the reconstruction of the Zunfthaus zur Saffran in Zürich. By J. C. Mörikofer. View of the Zunfthaus zur Saffran; in exergue, MDCCLXXIV• / I•C• MK •F•. Rev. FIDELITATI ET INDUSTRI AE Mercurius leaning right against altar decorated with coat-of-arms within laurel wreath, holding caduceus in his right hand and leaning his left on hip; below, cornucopiae from which coins flow set on scales. Haller 322. SM 278. Light marks, otherwise, extremely fine.

This beautiful medal commemorates the reconstruction of the Zunfthaus zur Saffran in Zürich in full baroque style, undertaken between 1719 and 1723. The name of the building refers to the saffron trade, an important source of wealth for the grocers' guild which called the Zunfthaus home for many centuries. Other professions were added over time, such as book printers, confectioners, button makers and apothecaries. Today, the Zunfthaus also has a numismatic heritage, as our own floor auctions are hosted in its magnificent Zunftsaal (guildhall) every year.