Description
These coins have been off the market for over a century, making every surviving example a genuine antique gold piece with irreplaceable historical provenance.
Add one of the world’s most recognized and enduring gold coins to your collection with the Swiss 20 Francs Gold Coin — Helvetia, affectionately known in Switzerland as the “Vreneli” or “Goldvreneli.” Struck by the Swiss Mint in Bern between 1897 and 1949, this iconic coin contains 0.1867 troy ounces of 90% fine gold and stands as one of the most widely collected European gold coins of the 19th and 20th centuries.
The Swiss 20 Franc gold coin was minted in accordance with the standards of the Latin Monetary Union — the historic international monetary agreement established in 1865 by France, Belgium, Italy, Switzerland, and Greece, which unified the weight, purity, and dimensions of gold and silver coinage across member nations. Switzerland joined the Latin Monetary Union in December 1865, and the 20-franc gold denomination became one of the most produced and circulated coins in the entire Union.
Design Features
Obverse:
The obverse was designed by Fritz Ulysse Landry and features a right-facing profile portrait of Helvetia, the allegorical female personification of the Swiss Confederation. She wears a garland of edelweiss — Switzerland’s national flower — and the majestic Swiss Alps form the horizon behind her. The inscription “HELVETIA” is arched above the portrait, and the designer’s initials appear in the field. The mint mark “B” (for Bern) appears at the base.
Reverse:
The reverse displays the Swiss federal coat of arms — a white cross on a red shield — set within a decorative wreath of oak branches symbolizing strength and endurance. The denomination “20 FR” flanks the shield on either side. The edge of the coin features 22 embossed stars, representing the 22 Swiss cantons at the time of the coin’s introduction.
Edge:
The edge is reeded
Technical Specifications
- Contains 0.1867 troy oz of 90% fine gold (5.805 grams of pure gold content)
- Struck by the Swiss Mint, Bern — mint mark “B” on every circulation strike
- One of the most produced European gold coins — approximately 58.6 million minted (1897–1949)
- Designed by celebrated Swiss medalist Fritz Ulysse Landry (1895 design)
- Part of the Latin Monetary Union (Switzerland joined 1865) — circulated freely across Europe
- Affectionately known as the “Vreneli” or “Goldvreneli” — a beloved Swiss national symbol
- Obverse features Helvetia with an edelweiss garland and Alpine panorama
- Reverse features the Swiss federal coat of arms flanked by oak branches
- Edge engraved with 22 embossed stars representing the 22 Swiss cantons
- Legal tender in Switzerland with a face value of 20 Swiss Francs (demonetized 1936)
- Random year from 1897–1949; circulated condition consistent with age and period of use
- One of the most recognized and liquid European gold coins on the global secondary market
- A genuine antique gold coin — the oldest examples are over 125 years old
You can now buy the Swiss 20 Francs Gold Coin — Helvetia (Vreneli) from Bullion Trading LLC. Order online or visit our physical store at 20 West 47th Street, Lower Level #24, New York, NY 10036.
Investment & Collectability
Today, the Swiss 20 Franc gold coin is prized for both its history and gold value:
- A collector’s coin due to its historical importance
- A gold investment piece with recognized purity and weight
This coin often commands a premium above its intrinsic gold value, especially in well-preserved condition.
Interested in other fractional oz coins? Check out 1/4 oz World Coins!
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