Obverse. Photo © Swissmint
  • 20 Francs 2023, Switzerland, 175th Anniversary of the Federal Constitution
  • 20 Francs 2023, Switzerland, 175th Anniversary of the Federal Constitution
Description

On September 12, 1848, the former confederation transitioned into a federal state, marking the inception of Europe's inaugural permanent democracy. The inaugural Federal Constitution, a remarkable feat of ingenuity, swiftly established the institutional groundwork for contemporary Switzerland, enduring to this present day.

Engraver: Peter Salzmann

Obverse

Depicts the preamble of the Federal Constitution, creatively represented as the terms of the text weave together to create a powerful symbol.

+ CONSTITUZIUN FEDERALA + 1848-2023 + BUNDESVERFASSUNG +
P.SALZMANN
CONSTITUTION FÉDÉRALE + CONSTITUZIONE FEDERALE

Reverse

Depicts Helvetia holding the Swiss coat of arms and a laurel branch in one hand, while a dove flies to the left. Surrounding the scene is the country's name, "Swiss Confederation," divided by the Swiss cross, with the denomination indicated below. Additionally, the issuing year and mintmark (where "B" denotes the Bern Mint) follow the country's name.

The term "Helvetica" is derived from the ethnonym "Helvetii," the name of the Gaulish tribe inhabiting the Swiss Plateau before the Roman conquest.

Regarding the debate over referencing God in the Federal Constitution, artist Peter Salzmann of Olten opted to omit the angel's wings. "We tend to perceive what we wish to see, thus we are presented with a familiar figure. The angel transforms into Helvetia, symbolizing peace – a virtue more crucial than ever in today's world," Salzmann elucidated.

CONFOEDERATIO HELVETICA 2023 B
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 (Circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.999
Weight 20 g
Diameter 33 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Swissmint

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