Bern Thaler
Switzerland
1796–1798
Reference data compiled from public catalogs
Estimated Melt Value
$58.82
Based on Silver spot price ($79.17/oz) · 83.3% purity · 27.74g
Updated 6:41 PM
Collector premium not included
Specifications
| Country | Switzerland |
| Years Minted | 1796–1798 |
| Composition | 83.3% silver |
| Weight | 27.74 g |
| Diameter | 39 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Edge | Reeded |
Design
Obverse
Depicts the coat of arms of Bern.
Reverse
Shows the denomination and date.
History & Notable Facts
The Bern Thaler was minted during a period of Swiss political turmoil, specifically as the Canton of Bern asserted its independence amid the French Revolutionary Wars.
This silver coin, produced from 1796 to 1798, used planchets likely sourced from recycled European silver, reflecting the era's pragmatic recycling of old money. Its design featured the Bern coat of arms on one side and a simple value inscription on the other, emphasizing local pride over ornamentation. We know the exact mintage figures are lost to history, possibly destroyed in later conflicts.
While some claim these coins financed Swiss mercenaries, that's unverified hearsay. They were, however, valued for their consistent 27-gram weight and high silver content, aiding trade in a fractured economy.
Not every thaler survived; many ended up as bullion elsewhere.
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