Gold and Silver Coins – 175 years of the Swiss Constitution
- July 19, 2023
- by
- Pierre
September 12th 1848 marks a turning point for Switzerland, transitioning from an old confederation of states to a federal state and the first stable democracy in Europe. To celebrate the 175th anniversary of modern Switzerland, Swissmint, known for its limited edition collectible coins called “Eidgenössische Sondermünzen,” has issued a new commemorative currency.
Last June, Karin Keller-Sutter, head of the Federal Department of Finance (DFF), unveiled this new coin titled “175 Years of the Federal Constitution,” highlighting the importance of the first Constitution for Switzerland. She emphasized how this text has evolved with society over the past 175 years and described the original Constitution as a stroke of genius, underscoring the swiftness with which the Swiss established the institutional foundations of a modern country that are still in effect today.
The obverse of the two coins features the preamble of the Constitution, conveying symbolic terms that come together to form a powerful emblem. The reverse shows an angel accompanied by the Swiss coat of arms.
In the context of the debate sparked by the reference to God in the Constitution, Peter Salzmann, an artist from Olten, depicted the angel without wings. “This character remains familiar to everyone, as each person can interpret the image in their own way. Without its wings, the angel becomes Helvetia, a bearer of peace, a virtue more essential than ever,” explains the author of the design.
GOLD COIN
- Issue date: July 1, 2023
- Sales deadline: June 30, 2026 or while stocks last
- Project: Peter Salzmann, Olten
- Face value: 50 Swiss francs
- Alloy: 0.900 gold
- Weight: 11.29 g
- Diameter: 25 mm.
- Bruni finish: 3,750 coins
Out of stock at SWISSMINT, the gold coin is already for sale on eBay for over 1,000€!
Silver coins
UNC Version:
- Legal face value: 20 Swiss francs
- Issuance date: July 1st, 2023
- Sales deadline: June 30th, 2026 or while supplies last
- Project: Peter Salzmann, Olten
- Alloy: 0.999 silver
- Weight: 20 g
- Diameter: 33 mm
- UNC coin: 10,000 coins
Burnished blank Version (proof)
- Legal face value: 20 Swiss francs
- Date of issue: July 1, 2023
- Sales deadline: June 30, 2026 or while stocks last
- Design: Peter Salzmann, Olten
- Alloy: 0.999 silver
- Weight: 20 g
- Diameter: 33 mm
- Burnished blank: 3,000 coins
NB: There is a set containing one proof gold coin and one UNC silver coin (1,000 sets have been made).
Sources: SWISS MINT et NUMISMAG
