Obverse. Photo © Heritage Auctions
  • 2 Francs 1860-1863, KM# 10a, Switzerland
  • 2 Francs 1860-1863, KM# 10a, Switzerland
Description

Friedrich Fisch, a Swiss artist hailing from Aarau, produced the initial design for the 2 franc coin, and Antoine Bovy (1795–1877), a sculptor from Geneva, engraved the original dies. However, the engraving was slightly altered by German artist Ferdinand Korn (1825–1866) for 1857. In 1860 a variant of the 2 franc piece was minted at Bern with an altered composition, and was later produced in 1862 and 1863. The depictions on the coin were unchanged, and continued to utilize Fisch's and Korn's handiwork.

Obverse

In a mountain setting, laureate Helvetia seated resting on a plow and grains and wearing a toga, is holding a Swiss shield in her left hand and is raising the other toward the left side.

Helvetia is the pictorial allegory of Switzerland. She is a mythical figure who never actually existed. Allegorical depictions were very popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. Even though Helvetia was depicted seated on the first franc coins, she has been obliged to remain standing since 1874.

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.

HELVETIA
KORN

Reverse

Depicts a value inside a wreath. Mintmark below.

2 Fr.
1860
B

Edge -

2 Francs

KM# 10a Schön# 22a
Characteristics
Material Silver
Fineness 0.800
Weight 10 g
Diameter 27 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Coin
Mint
Bern Mint

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