Switzerland. Exquisite Commemorative Gold Coin Unveiled Features Classic Vreneli Design

The gold ‘Vreneli’ from 1925 is Switzerland's largest and regarded as the most beautiful coin and the new commemorative gold Vreneli sets another milestone in the history of Swiss coinage. The original coin design was intended to feature a quintessentially Swiss national motif, an allegorical or historical-symbolic representation of Switzerland or, Helvetia. This was the description which the Federal Department of Finance formulated as the objective of the design competition launched in 1895. The Swiss Mint chose the designs of Fritz Ulysse Landry (1842 – 1927) whose depiction of a young woman ostensibly from the canton of Oberhasli in profile facing left, with tresses and a garland of edelweiss and with mountains in the background was the successful design. The reverse side featured a classic crest or coat of arms of Switzerland featuring a broad cross in the centre of a shield. Oak branches with acorns and ribbons were placed behind the shield and the denomination of 20 FR was placed on either side of the crest with the year of issue shown just under the shield. The coins were first released in 1897 as a 20 franc gold coin and were minted almost continuously up until the start of the First World War and intermittently from 1922 until 1935. Restrikes in 1945 to 1947 carried the year 1935 along with an LB mintmark and bullion pieces dated 1947 and 1949 were the last 20 franc gold coins struck. In 1911 until 1916, a 10-franc denomination with the same obverse was introduced into circulation with one-year coins minted in 1922.

Over time, these coins were affectionately referred to as Vreneli but this reference only appeared in written form for the first time in 1943. Although this name and its exact origin remains unexplained to this day, it is believed the term is derived from a Swiss German affectionate or, term of endearment of the female given name ‘Verena’. This name, in its diminutive form also used to describe young girls, uniquely popular in Switzerland.

In 1925, the Swiss Mint decided to release a limited mintage of 100-franc gold coins with the same obverse design and a revised reverse side replicating the one included on the 10-franc denomination. This design featured the cross of Switzerland with rays behind near the top half with an alpenrose branch and flowers placed below along the lower rim. A number of stories surround the low number of 5000 coins minted at that time, 1000 of which were melted down again. As a result of their decreased numbers, they are some of the most sought-after Swiss coins with many realising top prices at auction. The last Swiss circulation-type gold coins were never officially demonetized but, in 1936 the franc itself was devalued against the price of gold and as a result, their bullion value became higher than their face value.

The anniversary coin was presented exclusively at the World Money Fair - the world's largest coin fair in Berlin on the 30th January and in the presence of the coin’s designer, Chiara Principe. As the World Money Fair’s guest of honour, the Swissmint chose a very special location in which to unveil this historic anniversary coin. On the 1st July 2025, the centenary anniversary of the release of the first 100 franc gold Vreneli will be marked by the issuance of a limited mintage gold commemorative coin. This special coin echoes the design and history of the original and pays homage to the rich tradition of Swiss coin art.

The Swiss Federal Mint produces Swiss circulation and commemorative franc coins on behalf of the Swiss Confederation at their facilities in the Kirchenfeld district of Bern since 1906. Designed by acclaimed artist Chiara Principe, the obverse side the new gold Vreneli includes references of the original design, combining the radiating Swiss cross above the Swiss alps with gentians and alpine roses placed to the left. The image of Vreneli is featured and portrayed front-facing, gazing to the holder of the coin. She is crowned with a laurel wreath as a symbol of wisdom and triumph, and the edelweiss as a symbol of Switzerland. Above, a replicated image of the design found on the reverse side of the 100 Franc coin released in 1925. To the right of Vreneli, the anniversary years 1925 and 2025 are prominently featured. Along the right rim is the text CONFOEDERATIO HELVETICA. The reverse side also includes a replicated image of the original obverse depiction of ‘Vreneli’ created by Fritz Ulysse Landry and is placed to the right side. Just to the left, is the coin’s denomination of 100 FR with the addition of oak branches and alpine roses placed above and below the primary design completing the composite. The monogram of the artist Chiara Principe, the conjoined stylised initials CP is shown to the lower right of the image of Vreneli and B mintmark for Bern is seen just to the upper right. The coins include the raised edge lettering *** DOMINUS / PROVIDEBIT / **********

The Swiss Mint through the Special Coins Premium editions will organise the sale of these gold commemorative coins on the 1^st July, at 9:00 am local time. The coin will be available exclusively in the Swiss Mint online shop and is not included in the subscription service, pre-orders are not possible. The coin’s purchase is strictly limited to one unit per person and to holders of an eIAM login (CH-Login) which is required to order in the online store. Information on registration can be found on their official website at www.eiam.swiss.