ObverseImage: Wikimedia Commons · Scott Semans. · CC BY 3.0
Swiss 1 Franc
Switzerland
1875–2023
Reference data compiled from public catalogs
Specifications
| Country | Switzerland |
| Years Minted | 1875–2023 |
| Composition | Cupro-nickel |
| Weight | 6.5 g |
| Diameter | 23.2 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Edge | Reeded |
Design
Obverse
Features the Swiss coat of arms and the inscription 'Helvetia'.
Reverse
Depicts the denomination '1 Franc' surrounded by a wreath and the year.
History & Notable Facts
The Swiss 1 Franc coin switched from silver to cupro-nickel in 1968, a direct result of global silver shortages that forced many nations to rethink their alloys.
This coin entered circulation in 1875 as part of Switzerland's federal currency reform, unifying the cantons under a single monetary system. Early strikes used 0.835 fine silver, weighing about 5 grams, and featured the Swiss cross on the obverse. By the 1930s, designs shifted slightly to include the federal shield, reflecting political stability in a turbulent century.
Exact mintage numbers for certain years remain unclear; Swiss archives lost some records during World War II evacuations. Still, it's been produced at the Bern mint almost continuously, with cupro-nickel versions dominating since the switch.
One dry observation: It's outlasted more than a few empires, but that's no surprise in a country known for endurance.
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