Obverse. Photo © Swissmint
  • 20 Francs 2024, Switzerland, Swiss Aerial Cableways, Schilthorn
  • 20 Francs 2024, Switzerland, Swiss Aerial Cableways, Schilthorn
Description

This silver coin is the last 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 the old gondola lift and revolving restaurant after the latest transformation in 2017

The Schilthorn, towering at 2,970 meters (9,744 ft), is a prominent peak in the Bernese Alps of Switzerland, offering stunning views of the Lauterbrunnen valley in the Bernese Oberland. Situated above Mürren, it boasts the highest elevation in the range north of the Sefinenfurgge Pass and is accessible via a cable car from the village.

Piz Gloria, the iconic revolving restaurant atop the summit, gained fame as a location in the 1969 James Bond film On Her Majesty's Secret Service. This unique restaurant completes a full 360-degree rotation in just 45 minutes, providing diners with unparalleled views of the surrounding Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau mountains. The film's producer played a pivotal role in its construction, financing the completion of the revolving platform in exchange for using the facility in the movie, the first and only Bond film featuring George Lazenby.

Additionally, the Schilthorn boasts a black ski run featured in the film, starting from the summit and descending to the Engetal below Birg. Notably, some scenes were captured by cameraman John Jordan suspended from a helicopter, a daring feat that tragically ended in his fatal fall during filming for the movie Catch-22.

LUFTSEILBAHN
SCHILTHORN
BJ 1986 8L 2779m
HD 1039m
NM 433

Reverse

Depicts Schilthorn 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.

CONFOEDERATIO HELVETICA 2024
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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