By Coin & Currency Institute ……
Switzerland’s annual shooting taler is now available for pre-order in advance of its mid-to-late January release date.
The Swiss tradition of marksmanship was established during the old Swiss Confederacy in the 15th century when festival participants used crossbows in shooting contests. The legend of William Tell recalls this tradition. In modern times, a shooting festival is held every year in a different canton. As many as 50,000 marksmen have attended some of them. In 2019 it will be held in Appenzell in June. Silver and gold versions of the traditional coins used to help mark and promote the event will be available in what, since 1984, has become an annual tradition.
The 50 franc silver proof coin nearly always sells out and has a mintage for 2019 of only 1,500 coins. It is .900 fine silver, weighs 25 grams and is 37 millimeters (1.45 inches) in diameter. It costs $124.75. The gold 500 franc has a mintage for 2019 of just 200 coins. It is .999 fine gold and weighs a ½ troy ounce. It is 33 millimeters (1.3 inches) in diameter. It is $1,495.
The designs are identical except for the expression of value. The obverse shows a pair of bears facing each other, one holding part of a tree limb. The bears are similar in appearance to the one on the Appenzeller coat of arms. The reverse has the face value within a wreath with crossed rifles, a powder horn, and shooting bag below. A legend in French and German, CONVERTIBLE Á LA FÊTE DE TIR – EINLÖSBAR AM SCHÜTZENFEST says that the coin is convertible at the shooting festival.
These and many other issues may be obtained from the Coin & Currency Institute, P.O. Box 399, Williston, Vermont 05495. They can be viewed and ordered online at www.coin-currency.com. $5.75 should be added to each order for shipping and handling. Major credit cards are accepted. Call toll-free 1-800-421-1866. Fax: (802) 536-4787. E-mail: [email protected].
