ObverseImage: Wikimedia Commons · J.Courtois (Original uploader was Ivlianvs at fr.wikipedia) · Public domain
Swiss 2 Centimes
Switzerland
1879–1918
Reference data compiled from public catalogs
Estimated Melt Value
$0.03
Based on Copper spot price ($6.07/oz) · 95.0% purity · 2g
Updated 6:41 PM
Collector premium not included
Specifications
| Country | Switzerland |
| Years Minted | 1879–1918 |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 2 g |
| Diameter | 18 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Edge | Plain |
Design
Obverse
Features the Swiss coat of arms with a shield bearing a white cross on a red background, surrounded by a wreath.
Reverse
Displays the denomination '2 CENTIMES' and the year of issue, with oak leaves or similar motifs.
History & Notable Facts
The Swiss 2 Centimes coin was one of the first in Switzerland to feature the federal coat of arms on its obverse, symbolizing the nation's unity after centuries of cantonal fragmentation. This bronze piece, struck between 1879 and 1918, measured just 18.2 millimeters in diameter and weighed around 2 grams, fitting neatly into pockets for everyday use.
Its reverse bore a simple wreath of oak leaves encircling the denomination, a design choice that echoed classical influences from the Latin Monetary Union. Production occurred at the Bern mint, where dies were carefully engraved to ensure consistency across millions of strikes. We don't know the exact mintage for every year, as records from that era are incomplete.
Some variants show signs of die wear, hinting at the pressures of high circulation in rural markets. As for its legacy, it's often the coin that got away from collectors chasing bigger game.
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