Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 1/2 Franc 1875-1967, KM# 23, Switzerland
  • 1/2 Franc 1875-1967, KM# 23, Switzerland
Description

Designer: Albert Walch
Engraver: Antoine Bovy

Obverse

Depicts Helvetia, wearing a toga, is holding a spear and is leaning on a Swiss shield. She is encircled by the 22 stars.

The ring of stars represents the cantons of Switzerland. There were 22 stars until 1982, and there has been an additional 23rd star since 1983 for the Canton of Jura, which was founded in 1979. Since 2000, therefore, the 23 stars refer to the "states" of the Confederation and not the cantons themselves.

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.

INCT. is the abbreviation of "incidit" from the Latin verb "incidere", meaning "engraved by".

A. BOVY HELVETIA INCT

Reverse

Depicts a value inside a wreath. Mintmark below.

½ Fr.
1957
B

Edge

1/2 Franc

KM# 23 Schön# 27
Characteristics
Material Silver
Fineness 0.835
Weight 2.5 g
Diameter 18.2 mm
Thickness 1.28 mm
Shape round
Alignment Coin
Mints
Paris Mint (A)
Swissmint

Related coins

Silver, 2.5 g, ⌀ 18.2 mm

Cupronickel, 2.2 g, ⌀ 18.2 mm