Swiss 20 Franc

Strong and Stable

The legal-tender Swiss Helvetia coin, nicknamed the Vreneli and “Swiss Miss”, is composed of 90% pure gold, and has become a tangible emblem of its country of origin. This gold coin is renowned as a champion of fiscal strength and stability, and enjoyed by Europeans as a collector’s coin due to its representation of history. In choice Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) condition, it offers a superb combination of aesthetics, historical interest and quality at an economical price.

History

Vreneli Swiss 20 Francs, sometimes referred to as “Swiss Miss’s”, were minted at the Swiss National Mint in Bern between 1897 and 1936, when it ceased being produced due to the Great Depression. Because of the popular design, there were authorized strikes in 1947 and 1949. In modern times, these world coins have become more valuable for their gold content than for their actual face value as legal tender.

Design

The Swiss 20 Franc is attractive to look at because of its distinct design. This design, in fact, was considered by most to be the loveliest of all Swiss designs. The front of this gold coin features a silhouette of a Vreneli, the charming “Swiss Miss” of Swiss lore with her braided hair and garland of flowers. She is set against a backdrop of the Swiss Alps. Above her head appears the word HELVETIA, which is where the other reference for this coin comes from. Helvetia is the current name of the western region of Switzerland, but at one time it was used to reference the entire area and its people. The reverse of this beautiful gold coin displays the Swiss Coat of arms. The Swiss shield is placed over an oak branch tied with ribbons. The denomination and mint date also appear on the back.  All coins issued between 1897 and 1949 were designed by Fritz Landry of Neuchâtel, Switzerland. His signature appears under the profile as “F. Landry”.