Half Franc, CuproNickel, Coin Type from Switzerland - detailed information

Half Franc, CuproNickel, Coin Type from Switzerland (issued 1968 - )
Coin TypeHalf Franc, CuproNickel

The Half Franc coin is a circulating denomination of the Swiss Franc. Given that Switzerland has four official languages, it has three different names: Franken in German, franc in French and Romansh, and franco in Italian. It is worth noting that the denomination is a "half franc" and not "50 centimes" for historic reasons, being initially modelled on a denomination of the French franc which was a "demi franc", and to distinguish it from the smaller denominations; initially, all "francs" (including the half franc) were full-bodied silver, while the centimes were either billon (low-grade silver) or base metal.

The first version of the half franc coin featuring a seated figure of Helvetia was designed by Friedrich Fisch and engraved by Antoine Bovy. The reverse shows the value, a numeral ½, and a language-neutral abbreviation of the denomination, Fr. within a wreath whose left part consists of oak branches and the right part of various Alpine flowers. This original reverse has remained unchanged and is still used on current coins. This version was heavier than current coins (2.5 grams) and made of 0.900 silver. It was only issued in 1850 and 1851 and was struck by the Paris Mint. It was demonetised on 1st January 1869, then for several years there were no half franc coins in circulation.

In 1875, the obverse was changed to a new design by Albert Walch featuring a Standing Helvetia. This version was issued to the specifications of the Latin Monetary Union and had a composition of 83.5% silver and 16.5% copper. This second silver version of the Half Franc was issued until 1967 and was demonetised on 1st April 1971.

Current Half Franc coins are made of cupro-nickel (75% copper, 25% nickel); this version was first issued in 1968 and is still currently produced.

Obverse
Switzerland / Half Franc, CuproNickel - obverse photo

The obverse, which has remained unchanged from 1875 to the present, features Helvetia standing on a platform, her head facing to the left. In her right hand (at the left), she holds a lance, and with her left (at the right), she props up a shield with the Swiss Cross at centre. In exergue is the legend HELVETIA.

On all coins made from 1875 to 1982, there are 22 five-pointed stars along the rim of the coin, going from the lower left to lower right boundaries of the obverse. These represent the 19 full Swiss cantons of the time and the six half-cantons, which are collectively represented by the three remaining stars. However, when the Canton of Jura broke away from Bern in 1979, the number of stars was no longer accurate. As a result, a new star was added to the right of Helvetia's likeness in 1983. On examples of all dates, the tip of Helvetia's lance extends to the rim and separates the ninth and tenth stars in the sequence. Nine of the stars are engraved up to the lance, two between the lance and Helvetia's face, and 11 or 12 to the right of the central allegorical figure, depending on the year of issue.

The engraver's signature, A.BOVY INCT. (an abbreviation for the Latin text "Antoine Bovy incidit", meaning "engraved by Antoine Bovy), is located around below, displayed counter-clockwise in small letters. It is split in two by the legend: "A.BOVY" appears to the left of "HELVETIA", and "INCT." to the right.

Obverse Inscription HELVETIA
Reverse
Switzerland / Half Franc, CuproNickel - reverse photo

The reverse, which has remained unchanged since 1850, shows the value - a numeral ½, and a language-neutral abbreviation of the denomination, Fr., above the date: [year] within a wreath whose left part consists of oak branches and the right part of various Alpine flowers.

Below the ribbon of the wreath is the mint mark B of Swissmint (formerly known as the Bern Mint, then the Federal Mint of Switzerland), with the exception of the years between 1970 and 1985 (incl.) when there was no mint mark, and partly 1968 and 1969, when some of the coins had a mint mark and others did not.

Reverse Inscription 1/2 Fr. [year]
EdgeMilledEdge InscriptionNone
Notes

Half Franc coins were issued with coin alignment (opposite axis) until 1981, then with medal alignment (the two sides with the same axis).

Advertising
The Definitive Guide to Australian Silver Coins
The Definitive Guide to Australian Silver Coins
Coin Type: Half Franc, CuproNickel - (58) Coins
Coin NameReverseObverseIn my collection(s)
Please sign up and/or log in to use collection management functionality.
Advertising
The Definitive Guide to Australian Silver Coins
The Definitive Guide to Australian Silver Coins
Half Franc, CuproNickel: Details
CountrySwitzerland
CurrencySwiss Franc
Sub-type ofHalf Franc
From1968
Face Value1/2 (x Franc)
CurrentYes
MaterialCuproNickel
DesignerFr. Fisch, A. Walch, A. Bovy
TechnologyMilled (machine-made)
ShapeRound
OrientationCoin Alignment (Axis 6)
Size18.2000 mm
Thickness1.2500 mm
Mass2.2000 g
Half Franc, CuproNickel: Photos
ImageDetails
Half Franc, CuproNickel: Photo Coin, Switzerland, 1/2 Franc, 2013 Coin, Switzerland, 1/2 Franc, 2013
Copyright: NumisCorner.com
Source
Half Franc, CuproNickel: Photo Coin, Switzerland, 1/2 Franc, 2013 Coin, Switzerland, 1/2 Franc, 2013
Copyright: NumisCorner.com
Source