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It all starts with an idea

We mint Swiss francs on behalf of the Swiss Confederation. Since 1936, we have also minted special coins to commemorate important historical and cultural events and to honour prominent figures. But the journey from the initial idea to finished coin is a long one.

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It all starts with an ideaTo the article

Many opportunities for storytelling

Once the idea and the funds required for its implementation have been approved, the actual work begins at Swissmint – preparation of the minting programme.

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Many opportunities for storytelling
Designing the coinsTo the article

Designing the coins

The first step in transforming a theme into an actual coin is selecting the artist.

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Die-making and mintingTo the article

Die-making and minting

A high-precision 3D model is created from the coin design, which is then milled into the master die. Creating an image on a special coin involves three stages:

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Brilliant uncirculated coins now made using a laser brushTo the article

Brilliant uncirculated coins now made using a laser brush

Find out here why Swissmint decided to switch to laser brushing:

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200 years of the Swiss Shooting Sport Federation

The Swiss Shooting Sport Federation (SSV) is celebrating a very special anniversary in 2024. Swissmint’s latest special coin marks the start of the celebrations.

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200 years of the Swiss Shooting Sport Federation
Interview with Jürg Richter about the SSV silver coinTo the article

Interview with Jürg Richter about the SSV silver coin

On 2 June 2023, Swissmint launched a new special coin: the SSV silver coin. We asked Jürg Richter, an internationally renowned expert on Swiss shooting talers and medals, five questions about Switzerland and its Schützentaler.

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Coin collecting for beginnersTo the article

Coin collecting for beginners

Inherited a coin collection and not sure what to do with it? Then these tips are for you!

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175th anniversary of the Federal ConstitutionTo the article

175th anniversary of the Federal Constitution

As we celebrate the 175th anniversary of the Federal Constitution, we look back at 175 eventful years of Swiss coin history.

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Making special coins even more special

Known and loved by (almost) everybody, traditional, shiny special coins are perennially popular in Switzerland, with most households having at least one. Swissmint, the official issuer of all Swiss coins, has given these small but perfectly formed works of art – each celebrating a specific aspect of the country – a presentational makeover. In this article, you’ll find out all about the reasons behind this change and why it represents a significant milestone – and not just for coin collectors.

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Making special coins even more specialTo the article
Miniature works of art to be cherished for a lifetimeTo the article

Miniature works of art to be cherished for a lifetime

What do special coins mean to us? What makes them so fascinating? Whatever it is, they are here to stay – even in a world where virtual reality seems to be increasingly replacing the tangible and physical.

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Lasting tribute to a Swiss icon

The fiftieth anniversary of Mani Matter’s death was on 24 November 2022, the Bernese singer-songwriter whose work has become embedded in the Swiss consciousness and remains popular today across the generations. As a tribute to this iconic artist, the Confederation has decided to issue a special coin commemorating him.

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Lasting tribute to a Swiss icon