By The Federal Mint Swissmint ….
On 26 January 2017 the Swiss Mint issued two new coins for collectors and lovers. The first is the bimetallic coin commemorating the Enzian flower. It is the second entry in the three-part FLORA ALPINA (Alpine Flowers) series.
The theme of the second commemorative, this one a silver coin, is the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation.
Originating in Wittenberg, the Reformation started cultural, social and political upheavals 500 years ago that continue to exist today. In Switzerland – due to the work of Huldrych Zwingli and John Calvin – the Reformation became a central impetus for the development of modernity, democracy and human rights.
As in all of Europe this year, the 500th anniversary of the Reformation is being celebrated. But this is not Martin Luther’s thesis, which took place in Wittenberg in 1517 according to tradition. Rather, it is about the Reformation as a movement whose cultural, social and political power has lasted for 500 years. In the foreground of the jubilee is the question of what the Reformation means to the generations of today and tomorrow – not a return to some mystical time past. To this end, it focuses on the achievements of the Reformation, without forgetting their shadows, and puts themselves at the service of the Ecumenical commitments. On the occasion, Swissmint is offering a special 20-franc silver coin. It was designed by the Burgdorf graphic artist Ben Pfäffli.
More information can be found at www.ref-500.ch.
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The unique flora of the Alps attracts countless visitors every year to the mountains. Particularly impressive is the mountain spring. While the last snowfields slowly melt, the flowers sprinkle and bloom everywhere. One special view in this joyful play of colors is the deep blue of the Enzians. Together with Edelweiss and Alpenrose, it is one of the most popular Alpine flowers.
There are several subspecies of Enzian. The most common species are Clusius-Enzian (Gentiana clusii or lime-enzian) and Kochscher gentian (Gentiana acaulis or silicate-Gentian). Enzianas are a plant genus from the family of the Gentianaceae. The almost worldwide occurrance of the plant’s 300 to 400 species are predominantly found in the mountains of temperate zones in the Northern hemisphere but also in the Andes. The Enzian is the guest of honor on the second special coin in the three-part series FLORA ALPINA. The design for the 10-franc bimetallic coin comes from the Bernese graphic artist Jenny Leibundgut.
The new Swiss coins will be available from 26 January 2017 in limited edition at www.swissmintshop.ch, as well as at individual coin shops and banks.
In addition to these commemoratives, classic Swiss coin sets and the baby coin set, this year Swissmint is offering a birthday coin set for the first time. Its colored illustrated slipcase makes an esteemed birthday present for people of all ages.
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About The Federal Mint Swissmint
The Federal Mint Swissmint is responsible for circulating coinage in Switzerland. The Mint also produces special coins and packages for the numismatic market. They also produce bimetallic coins, along with coins in silver and gold. Swissmint is also the official authority in Switzerland for authentication and provides experts for public and private clients.
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