By The Federal Mint Swissmint ……
On September 14, 2017, the Federal Mint Swissmint opened sales for a new gold collector coin commemorating the famous Saint Bernard dog Barry, as well as the 2017 Swiss Christmas coin set and medal.
Barry
At the Great St. Bernhard Pass at 2469 m above sea the Augustine Chorherren was established in the 11th century as a hospice and refuge for travelers and religious pilgrims. It is there, since the middle of the 17th century, that the large protective mountain dogs known as St. Bernards, have been based. The presence of such dogs is presumed to go back to 1695 but is first documented in a file note from the hospice dated 1707. The dogs soon became known as companion dogs but especially as rescue dogs for travelers crossing the Alps in the snow and fog. The dogs of the Great St. Bernhard Pass saved many people’s lives. Chronicles published in many different languages, along with the oral reports of soldiers who crossed the pass with Napoleon Bonaparte in 1800, spread the reputation of the Saint Bernard throughout Europe in the 19th century.
The Saint Bernard named “Barry”, who lived at the hospice between 1800 and 1812, is legendary. The famous dog is said to have saved more than 40 lives. To his story numerous legends, which do much to add to the good reputation of the Saint Bernard breed, have accumulated. The Natural History Museum in Berne is dedicated to the exhaustive exploration of these legends and their history in its own exhibition at www.barry.museum.
In contrast to this, the Barry Foundation from Martigny concentrates on the surviving stock of the original Saint Bernard dog: www.fondation-barry.ch.
The Swissmint 50-franc gold coin in memory of this brave dog was designed by the graphic artist and illustrator Maya Delaquis from Gwatt.
Specifications
«Bernhardiner Barry»
- Alloy: gold 0.900
- Weight: 11.29 g
- Diameter: 25 mm
- Face Value: 50 Swiss francs
- Mintage: 4,500 (with numbered certificates of authenticity)
- Artist: Maya Delaquis, Gwatt
2017 Christmas Coin Set with Christmas Medal
Released at the same time as the Barry commemorative coin, the last issue of the year, the 2017 Christmas coin set, has appeared. In addition to this year’s circulating coins, the special coin set contains a medal with a bell motif. The bells on the medal and the illustrated slipcase are going to ring in the Christmas season. Bea Würgler from Berne is responsible for the design of this stylish gift idea. The new special, limited edition set is available at www.swissmintshop.ch, as well as from individual coin dealers and banks.
Specifications
«Christmas Bell»
- Alloy: Circulating Coins: copper nickel and aluminum bronze; Medal: core copper wire with aluminum bronze ring
- Mass: 171 mm x 106 mm x 8 mm
- Total Face Value 8.85 Swiss francs
- Mintage: 5,000
- Artist: Bea Würgler, Berne
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About Swiss Mint
The Swiss Mint is a Swiss mint the daily payment. For the numismatic market gives the mint as well as regularly circulating and special coins of special quality. The coins in bimetal, silver and gold are of an official face value and are characterized by different qualities. Swissmint is also the official authority for authenticity tests and expert opinions on behalf of public authorities and private clients.
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