Obverse. Photo © Swissmint
  • 20 Francs 2023, KM# 200, Switzerland, Swiss Aerial Cableways, Klein Matterhorn
  • 20 Francs 2023, KM# 200, Switzerland, Swiss Aerial Cableways, Klein Matterhorn
Description

This silver coin marks the inaugural piece in a trilogy centered around the theme of Swiss aerial cableways.

An aerial tramway, also known as an aerial tram or cablecar, is an aerial lift utilizing stationary ropes for support and a moving rope for propulsion. The cabin grip remains fixed to the propulsion rope throughout operation. Unlike gondola lifts, aerial tramways typically offer lower line capacities and longer wait times.

Designer: Angelo Boog

Obverse

Depicts an aerial cableway in front of the Klein Matterhorn, its name above, the engraver's name below.

The Klein Matterhorn, situated in the Pennine Alps near Zermatt, Switzerland, stands at 3,883 meters (12,740 ft) above sea level, making it Europe's highest accessible point by aerial tramway or gondola lift. It forms part of the Breithorn massif and overlooks the Breithorn Plateau to the south, near the Italian border. The name "Klein Matterhorn" distinguishes it from its larger neighbor, the Matterhorn. Functioning as a year-round ski area, it's known as the "Matterhorn Glacier Paradise," with ski-lifts extending to the Gobba di Rollin. However, rapid ascents above 3,000 meters (9,800 ft) may lead to altitude sickness symptoms in susceptible individuals.

KLEIN MATTERHORN
ANGELO BOOG

Reverse

Depicts Matterhorn in the center, the country name above (Swiss Confederation), the denomination below, the mintmark (B stands for Bern Mint) and fineness on the bottom right.

The Matterhorn, standing at 4,478 meters above sea level, is an iconic peak in the Alps straddling the border of Italy and Switzerland. With its near-symmetric pyramidal shape, it dominates the surrounding landscape and serves as a significant landmark in the region. Explored by naturalists and artists since the 18th century, it became the focus of a competitive climbing race in the 19th century, culminating in its first ascent in 1865 by Edward Whymper's party, though marred by tragedy. This event marked the end of an era in alpinism. Despite its allure, the Matterhorn poses significant risks, with over 500 climbers losing their lives on its slopes. Composed mainly of gneisses and shaped by glaciers, it remains a symbol of the Alps' grandeur. Since the late 19th century, it has drawn countless visitors and climbers, with the northeast Hörnli ridge being the most popular route to its summit. Additionally, it has been a part of the Swiss Federal Inventory of Natural Monuments since 1983, cementing its status as a cherished natural wonder.

The name Helvetica is a derivation of the ethnonym Helvetii, the name of the Gaulish tribe inhabiting the Swiss Plateau prior to the Roman conquest.

CONFOEDERATIO HELVETICA 2023
20
FR
B
999.9

Edge

"Dominus Providebit," meaning "the Lord will provide," originated from Genesis 22:8 and was initially featured on Bern coins in 1716. To enhance protection against counterfeiting, the Federal Mint incorporated this motto into the border script of the 20-franc pieces in 1886.

DOMICNUS | PROVIDEBIT *********** | **

Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.999
Weight 20 g
Diameter 33 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Swissmint

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