Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 20 Francs 2006, Congo, Democratic Republic, 500th Anniversary of the Swiss Guard
  • 20 Francs 2006, Congo, Democratic Republic, 500th Anniversary of the Swiss Guard
Description

Swiss Guards are the Swiss soldiers who have served as guards at foreign European courts since the late 15th century.

Foreign military service was outlawed by the revised Swiss Constitution of 1874, with the only exception being the Pontifical Swiss Guard stationed at the Vatican. The modern Papal Swiss Guard serves as both a ceremonial unit and a bodyguard. Established in 1506, it is one of the oldest military units in the world.

The earliest Swiss guard unit to be established on a permanent basis was the Hundred Swiss (Cent Suisses), which served at the French court from 1490 to 1817. This small force was complemented in 1567 by a Swiss Guards regiment. In the 18th and early 19th centuries several other Swiss Guard units existed for periods in various European courts.

In addition to small household and palace units, Swiss mercenary regiments have served as regular line troops in various armies; notably those of France, Spain and Naples. They were considered the most effective mercenaries of the 15th century, until their battle-drill was improved upon by the German Landsknechte. At the Battle of Marignano (1515), the Landsknecht in French service defeated the Swiss pikemen.

Obverse

Depicts an official emblem of the Laurent Kabila regime: a mature male lion standing to the left amid grass, symbolizing strength and authority. Above the lion is the country’s name in French, and the denomination is placed below.

Kabila’s regime, which began in 1997 after he overthrew Mobutu Sese Seko, was characterized by efforts to rebuild the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire) after decades of dictatorship. His government sought to restore national sovereignty, but faced internal conflict and external pressures, particularly during the Second Congo War.

REPUBLIQUE DEMOCRATIQUE DU CONGO
20 FRANCS

Reverse

Depicts a member of the Swiss Guard wearing a Morion helmet with red feathers, inscription of occasion with establishment and year of issue dates.

The Morion helmet is a distinct type of open-faced helmet originally developed in the 16th century and often associated with Spanish conquistadors and European infantry soldiers. Characterized by its high, crest-like comb and wide, sloping brim that curves upwards on each side, the Morion provided essential protection while also allowing for ventilation and visibility. It became iconic during the Age of Exploration, worn by Spanish soldiers in the New World as well as by guards and soldiers throughout Europe. The helmet’s shape was both practical and symbolic, representing strength and a soldier's resilience. Today, it is often seen in ceremonial roles, notably worn by the Swiss Guard at the Vatican.

GARDE
SUISSE
PONTIFICALE
1506 - 2006

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Gold
Fineness 0.999
Weight 1.24 g
Diameter 13.92 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal

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