Switzerland’s most iconic coin, the 1925 gold ‘Vreneli,’ has been immortalized once again with the release of a new commemorative coin, marking another milestone in Swiss numismatic history. Revered as the country’s largest and most beautiful coin, the new issue draws inspiration from the original design, celebrating both Swiss heritage and artistry.
The 1925 gold Vreneli’s design, first conceived in a 1895 competition by the Federal Department of Finance, was meant to feature a national symbol embodying Switzerland’s identity, Helvetia. The design selected, by artist Fritz Ulysse Landry (1842–1927), showcased a young woman from the canton of Oberhasli, portrayed in profile with flowing hair, a garland of edelweiss, and the Swiss Alps in the backdrop. On the reverse, the Swiss crest, featuring a bold cross centered on a shield, was encircled by oak branches and ribbons, with the denomination of 20 francs flanking the emblem.
Minted from 1897 to 1914 and sporadically from 1922 to 1935, the 20-franc Vreneli was introduced alongside a 10-franc denomination from 1911 to 1916, both featuring the same iconic obverse. Despite several restrikes between 1945 and 1949, the Vreneli became synonymous with Swiss craftsmanship. The term “Vreneli” itself, believed to be derived from the Swiss German diminutive of the name “Verena,” was first used in 1943, though its precise origin remains unclear.
In 1925, a limited edition 100-franc gold coin was issued, bearing the same obverse but with a revised reverse, featuring the Swiss cross with rays and an alpenrose branch. With only 5,000 pieces minted, this edition remains highly sought after by collectors, with many fetching significant prices at auction.
On January 30, 2025, the Swiss Mint unveiled a commemorative version of the Vreneli at the World Money Fair in Berlin, marking the 100th anniversary of the original 100-franc coin. The new coin, designed by Chiara Principe, pays homage to the original design, showcasing Vreneli front-facing with a laurel wreath symbolizing triumph and wisdom, and edelweiss flowers as an enduring emblem of Switzerland. Surrounding the figure are the anniversary years 1925 and 2025, along with the inscription CONFOEDERATIO HELVETICA.
The reverse side replicates the 1925 coin’s obverse design, featuring the 100-franc denomination and additional symbols of oak branches and alpine roses. The artist’s monogram, Chiara Principe’s initials, is placed below the image, with the mintmark for Bern, ‘B,’ located just above.
This limited-edition commemorative coin, set to be released on July 1, 2025, coincides with the centenary of the first 100-franc gold Vreneli and continues the Swiss Mint’s rich tradition of coin artistry, a legacy that dates back to 1906 at their Bern facilities. The new Vreneli not only honors the original but reinforces the lasting significance of Swiss coinage on the global stage.
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