Half Franc 1851, Coin from Switzerland - detailed information

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, centimes were either billon (low-grade silver) or base metal while all "francs" (including the half franc) were full-bodied silver; the composition of the half franc was 90% silver and 10% copper.

This first version of the half franc coin featuring a sitting 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, new half franc coins were issued with a new obverse by Albert Walch featuring a Standing Helvetia - a design which is still used today.

Coins issued in 1851 circulated for less than 18 years.