20 francs – Swiss aviation

Aviation in Switzerland began with pioneering balloonists at the end of the 19th century. In 1897, the Federal Council decided to set up a Swiss airship company, ten years after military airships had become established in Europe. Before that, pioneers like Eduard Spelterini and the Piccard brothers had made the first balloon test flights for the army. With the outbreak of the First World War and the development of modern air forces, the importance of balloons waned; in 1937, the balloon corps was dissolved.

The new special coin series turns the spotlight onto an important chapter in Swiss national history, and immortalises it in silver. The series begins with the 20-franc coin “Pioneers of Swiss aviation”, which shows the early days when hot-air ballons first started to conquer the skies. It is made of 999 silver, weighs 20g and has a diameter of 33mm. The obverse shows hot-air balloons with different shapes and baskets, tracing the technical developments of the time. But these illustrations show not only technological advances, but also the passion of early Swiss aviation pioneers. The balloons rise into the air against the backdrop of the Saanenland and the Swiss mountains Gummfluh, La Videmanette and Rüeblihorn. The obverse also carries the inscription in German “Pioniere der Schweizer Luftfahrt”. A propeller blade adorns the reverse, depicting advances in technology up to the present day. It bears the inscription “CONFOEDERATIO HELVETICA 2025” around the edge. The design is completed by the nominal value of 20 francs and the letter “B” for Bern.