Swiss 20 Lire
Switzerland
1852–1859
Reference data compiled from public catalogs
Estimated Melt Value
$894.14
Based on Gold spot price ($4,790.835/oz) · 90.0% purity · 6.45g
Updated 10:08 PM
Collector premium not included
Specifications
| Country | Switzerland |
| Years Minted | 1852–1859 |
| Composition | 0.900 gold |
| Weight | 6.45 g |
| Diameter | 21 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Edge | Reeded |
Design
Obverse
Features the Swiss coat of arms with a federal shield surrounded by the names of the cantons.
Reverse
Displays the denomination '20 Lire' along with the year of issue and decorative elements.
History & Notable Facts
The Swiss 20 Lire gold coin was essentially a clone of the French 20 Francs piece, designed for seamless trade in an era when borders meant little to merchants.
Struck at the Bern mint from 1852 to 1859, these coins used 90% gold alloy, weighing about 6.45 grams, to align with international standards. That made them practical for everyday transactions, not just hoarding. Records show they featured a simple obverse with a Swiss cross and a reverse with the denomination, reflecting the Confederation's push for unity after years of cantonal chaos.
We don't know the exact mintage figures; old ledgers from that period are spotty at best. What we do know is that production halted in 1859 when Switzerland fully adopted the franc system.
Some call it the "reluctant relative" to French currency, given how closely it mirrored its neighbor's design.
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