Obverse. Photo © Swissmint
  • 20 Francs 2023, Switzerland, Swiss Aerial Cableways, Titlis
  • 20 Francs 2023, Switzerland, Swiss Aerial Cableways, Titlis
Description

This silver coin is the second installment in a trilogy focusing on 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 Titlis, its name and the Swiss cross above, and the engraver's name below.

Titlis is renowned for its distinction as the location of the world's inaugural rotating cable car. This cable car system links Engelberg (996 m / 3,268 ft) to Klein Titlis summit (3,028 m / 9,934 ft) through stages at Gerschnialp, Trübsee, and Stand. A direct route established in 2016 bypasses Geraschnialp, connecting directly to Trübsee. The final leg of the cable car journey traverses above the glacier. Visitors to Klein Titlis can explore an illuminated glacier cave accessible from within the cable-car station, which also houses shops and restaurants. Additionally, the Titlis Cliff Walk, Europe's highest suspension bridge, opened in December 2012, offering panoramic views of the Alps.

The white cross has been used as the field sign (attached to the clothing of combattants and to the cantonal war flags in the form of strips of linen) of the Old Swiss Confederacy since its formation in the late 13th or early 14th century. Its symbolism was described by the Swiss Federal Council in 1889 as representing "at the same the Christian cross symbol and the field sign of the Old Confederacy". The federal coat of arms was defined in 1815 for the Restored Confederacy as the white-on-red Swiss cross in a heraldic shield. The white cross is known as the Swiss cross. Its arms are equilateral, and their ratio of length to width is 7:6.

TITLIS
TITLIS
ANGELO BOOG

Reverse

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

Titlis, a mountain in the Uri Alps bordering Obwalden and Bern, reaches 3,238 meters (10,623 ft) above sea level, marking the highest summit in the range north of the Susten Pass. Titlis is a popular alternative to Jungfraujoch, offering a more budget-friendly and accessible experience.

CONFOEDERATIO HELVETICA 2023
TITLIS 3238
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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