Switzerland's Vreneli Gold Coin: The Mountain Girl Who Became a National Icon
The iconic gold coin of Switzerland showcases Helvetia, a young woman crafted by Fritz Landry, adorned with braided hair and an edelweiss garland, marking a departure from conventional national currency. Known affectionately as "Vreneli," this coin is closely associated with the Swiss 20 franc piece, which features a Swiss cross and an oak branch on its reverse side. The backdrop of the Alps, integral to Swiss culture for centuries, is complemented by the edelweiss, a symbol of the region. Established in 1865, Switzerland initiated the Latin Monetary Union to standardize gold and silver coins. The Vreneli was regularly produced from 1897 to 1936, each weighing 6.45 grams and containing 90% gold, with additional coins minted in the 1940s for collectors to monitor their rarity.
Key facts
- Switzerland's classic gold coin depicts a young woman with braided hair framed by snowy mountain peaks
- The figure officially represents Helvetia, the female personification of Switzerland
- Designer Fritz Landry gave Helvetia a youthful look with braids and a garland of edelweiss
- The public nicknamed her Vreneli, an affectionate Swiss German form of the name Verena
- The Swiss gold 20 franc piece's reverse shows a Swiss cross on a shield with an oak branch, the denomination, and the date
- Switzerland helped found the Latin Monetary Union in 1865 with France, Belgium, and Italy
- Regular Vreneli production ran from 1897 to 1936; each coin weighs 6.45 grams and is 90% gold
- Switzerland struck additional coins in the 1940s, including restrikes bearing an earlier date
Entities
Artists
- Fritz Landry
- Verena
Institutions
- Latin Monetary Union
Locations
- Switzerland
- France
- Belgium
- Italy
- Swiss Alps