The Twenty Francs coin is a denomination of the Swiss Franc. Given that Switzerland has four official languages, the Franc has three different names: Franken in German, franc in French and Romansh, and franco in Italian.
In regular circulation, the denomination is served by a banknote. These coins are non-circulating legal tender made for collectors. They are issued in topical series, celebrating various aspects of Swiss heritage or nature.
The edge is usually inscribed with the motto DOMINUS PROVIDEBIT (The Lord will provide - a quote from the Bible, Genesis 22, 8), and thirteen stars representing the original thirteen cantons of the Swiss Federation.
This coin commemorates Mani Matter, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of his death. It is the first commemorative 20 FR coin produced in 99.99% silver, as opposed to the 83.5% which was standard before.
Swissmint says about it: Hans Peter "Mani" Matter (4 August 1936 - 24 November 1972) was a Swiss singer-songwriter and lawyer. Inspired by Georges Brassens, he began writing, composing and interpreting Bernese dialect chansons at the age of 13. Even now, fifty years after his accidental death, the popularity of Mani Matter and his songs remains undimmed. |