v25_1551 - Essai de 5 francs, trois viroles (refrappe) n.d. Paris VG.1525

SWITZERLAND - PRINCIPALITY OF NEUCHÂTEL - ALEXANDRE BERTHIER

(03/30/1806 - 04/11/1814)

The principality of Neuchâtel in Switzerland belonged to the King of Prussia. In 1806, it was given to Marshal Berthier as a reward for his dedication by imperial decree. Pierre-Alexandre Berthier was born in Versailles in 1753. Major of the National Guard at Versailles in 1789, he became Chief of Staff in Italy and then in Egypt. Minister of War to the First Consul, he became Marshal of the Empire the day after his coronation in charge of the Grand Army and the execution of imperial orders. After 1814, the Treaty of Paris provides for the independence of the Swiss cantons including Neuchâtel.