150 years of the Federal Supreme Court
To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Federal Supreme Court, Swissmint has launched a new bimetal coin, “150 years Swiss Federal Supreme Court”. The distinctive features of this coin are the number 150 along with a modern pictorial interpretation of Lady Justice.
Fact file on the Federal Supreme Court
The Federal Supreme Court, with its seat in Lausanne, is the highest judicial authority in Switzerland. It ensures the consistent application of
federal law and the protection of Swiss citizens’ basic rights. With its rulings, it plays a key role in the Swiss democratic system by guaranteeing justice and equality before the law. Founded in 1875, it is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2025.
Lady Justice, the symbol of justice
Lady Justice is the symbol of justice and its administration. She has appeared in art and literature since the Middle Ages, representing punitive justice and jurisprudence. Her sword represents the enforcement of the law, her scales the careful weighing up of all the facts, and her blindfold symbolises the fact that justice applies equally to us all. The oldest depiction of Lady Justice is in Bamberg Cathedral and dates back to the 13th century. The figure of Lady Justice is also known as Justitia, and is usually embodied by a female form.
Obverse
The obverse of the coin shows a modern depiction of Lady Justice. It is reminiscent of the sculpture of Lady Justice above the entrance to the Federal Supreme Court in Lausanne. She carries a sword as a symbol of authority and the power of the law. Beneath her are the dates 1875 and 2025, while to the right of these is the figure “150”. The word “years” is written in the four Swiss languages German, French, Itlian and Romansh, reflecting Switzerland’s linguistic and cultural diversity. At the edge of the obverse of the coin, the name of the highest judicial authority in Switzerland likewise appears in the four national languages.
Reverse
The face value of CHF 10 is shown on the reverse of the coin, along with the words “CONFOEDERATIO HELVETICA”, the year of issue 2025, and the mint mark “B” for Swissmint.
Celebrating justice
In 2025, the Federal Supreme Court is celebrating its 150-year history as a permanent court. Although it was established as the Supreme Court of the Swiss Confederation by the Federal Constitution in 1848, it wasn’t until 1875 that it became a permanent court with newly conferred tasks and its seat in Lausanne. Initially, the Federal Supreme Court was housed in the Casino de Derrière-Bourg, before moving to the newly built Palais de Justice de Montbenon. In 1926, its seat was relocated within Lausanne to the Palais de Mon-Repos, purpose-built by architects Prince, Béguin and Laverrière. This is where, in May 2025, the official ceremony took place, accompanied by a symposium and a commemorative publication. In June, there was a celebration for all Federal Supreme Court staff. Open days will be held on 6 September 2025 at the Lucerne site and on 13 and 14 September 2025 at the Lausanne seat.