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The One 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. Initially when federal Swiss coinage was introduced in 1850, 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 one 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 1, 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 (5 grams) and made of 0.900 silver. It was demonetised in two stages - 1st January 1869 for coins issued 1850-1857, then 1st January 1878 for coins issued in 1860 and 1861. In 1875, the obverse was changed to a new design by Albert Walch featuring a Standing Helvetia. The coins were issued to the specifications of the Latin Monetary Union, so the metal was somewhat debased to 0.835 silver (83.5% silver, 16.5% copper). This second version of the One Franc was issued until 1967 and was demonetised on 1st April 1971 when the country changed to the current cupronickel One Franc coins. Coins issued in 1899 circulated for less than 72 years (or slightly more; Swissmint mentions in its online FAQ that the recall deadline was then extended to 31 March 1972). | ||||||
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Variety | Specimen | |
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Mintage | Issued: unknown |
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Country | Switzerland |
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Currency | Swiss Franc |
Coin Type | One Franc, Silver |
Issued | 1899 |
Symbol | Helvetia, Standing |
Face Value | 1 (x Franc) |
Total Mintage | 400,000 |
Current | No; demonetised 1971 |
Material | 0.835 Silver |
Designer | Fr. Fisch, A. Walch, A. Bovy |
Technology | Milled (machine-made) |
Shape | Round |
Orientation | Coin Alignment (Axis 6) |
Size | 23.2000 mm |
Thickness | 1.5500 mm |
Mass | 5.0000 g |
OCC ID | WMRA-EQPC-XANX-OYPL |
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Source | Reference ID |
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Schön, Weltmünzkatalog | Schweiz Schön# 28 |
Krause, Standard Catalog of World Coins | Switzerland KM# 24 |