Switzerland: New Silver 20 Franc Coins Celebrate Modern Swiss Confederation

The new silver coin entitled Switzerland offers a fascinating representation of this Alpine country in all its facets. It was on the12th September 1848 when the Federal Constitution marked the birth of the modern Swiss nation, a federal state created by a confederation of the-then twenty two cantons. The constitution established the new Swiss Confederation and replaced the federation of sovereign cantons, now governed by a national government and parliament, with a Federal Council that presided over the cantons. The constitution and Federal Assembly could only exercise its powers through the agreement of both chambers and established the city of Bern as the seat of government and the federal capital. The adoption of the 1848 constitution also brought an end to the conflicts between liberal and catholic-conservative cantons. This structure is crucial for Switzerland's innovative strength, dialogue and national cohesion. Today, Switzerland consists of twenty six cantons, increased in accordance with the revised constitution of 1999 which designated former half-cantons as cantons. The canton of Jura acceded as the 23rd canton with its secession from Bern in 1979.

The issue of the commemorative coins coincide with the 150^th anniversary of the first issue of the current obverse design found on circulation coins from 2 Francs to ½ franc. First released in 1874, the design created by Albert Walch includes a standing allegorical female figure representing ‘Helvetia’ facing left, wearing a toga. She holds a spear in her right hand and supporting shield with coat of arms of Switzerland with her left. 22 five-pointed stars are placed around and above the figure which represented the 22 cantons of the Swiss confederation. In 1983, a 23rd star was added to represent the Canton of Jura, which was founded in 1979.

Designed by Swiss Mint artist Philipp Müller, the obverse side pays attention to detail and characteristics which contains numerous symbols that represent the diversity and unity of Switzerland. The obverse of the coin depicts mountains reminiscent of the Swiss Alps, a railway that refers to the dense transport network, edelweiss – which is a typical alpine flower, and a quartz crystal that reflects the mineral wealth of the Alps. A bridge symbolises the advanced technical infrastructure and gears refer to Switzerland’s precision watch-making industry, Lastly, a wheel of cheese stands for the famous Swiss cheese tradition. Emphasising Switzerland with all its cantons, the reverse of the coin includes the circular coats of arms of all 26 cantons which are arranged around the national cross symbol of the Swiss Confederation. Along the rim and surrounding the collection of crests is the text CONFOEDERATIO HELVETICA 2024 along with the mintmark B denoting the Mint in Berne. The denomination 20 FR is placed below the collection of crests.

Available from the 12^th September, the BU coin is available encapsulated in a blister-pak type folder. The proof versions are encapsulated and presented in a custom case accompanied with a numbered certificate of authenticity. *From the proof mintage of 5000, a limited number of 200 pieces are available with a signed certificate of authenticity from the designer of the coins. For additional information, please visit the website of Swiss Premium Editions, exclusive e-webshop of the Swiss Mint.