Description
The Swiss franc remains the official currency and legal tender of Switzerland, but the history of the franc denomination in this country includes many changes. Among the most popular gold coins issued in this denomination is the Helvetia design, also known as the Vreneli range. Right now, 20 Francs Gold Coins with the Swiss Helvetia design are available to purchase online from Wall Street Metals.
Coin Highlights:
- Arrives in protective plastic!
- Contains .1867 Troy oz of actual gold content in BU condition.
- Bears a face value of 20 Francs (Swiss) backed by the government of Switzerland.
- Obverse side of the coin includes the left-profile portrait of Helvetia.
- Reverse includes the Swiss shield adorned with oak leaves.
The history of the 20 Francs Gold Coin in Switzerland is complex.
Swiss confederation occurred in 1848 and the new nation adopted the Swiss Franc as a form of currency tied to the French Franc. The 20 Francs denomination was introduced in Europe by Napoleon for France back in 1803, and before the continent had its modern Euro, there was the Franc as an international monetary piece. Nations across the continent adopted the 20 Francs denomination.
The history of Switzerlands 20 Francs Gold Coin includes a period of Helvetica design which stretches to the early 1880s and depicts a crowned Helvetia. These 20 Francs Gold Helvetia coins lack the crowned design and were issued in total from 1897 to 1935, and again in 1947 and 1949.
On the obverse of the 20 Francs Gold Coin is the bust of Helvetia. A female personification of Switzerland, her figure has flowing hair with a braid through the top and the peaks of the Swiss Alps visible in the background. This design for the coins came from Fritz Ulysse Landry in 1895.
The reverse of the 20 Francs Gold Coins in the Swiss Helvetia collection include the coat of arms of Switzerland. The coat of arms includes the national shield in the center with the country’s traditional cross in the center. The background is adorned with oak leaves and you’ll find both the face value and year of issue engraved on this face.