Today I thought I would share a European coin that I believe I picked up when I was in Switzerland. It's been more than a couple years and my memory isn't the steel vault it once was... So I decided to look up some information about the country only to find out I knew relatively little about the country beyond neutrality, bank accounts, the Alps, and great chocolate. Until 1648 the nation was still part of the Holy Roman Empire but was formally recognized as an independent nation by the Peace of Westphalia.
Most citizens are German speaking but there are regions that speak Italian, French, and Romansh. As an American I knew most people I met there were German speakers so I learned something new! In Latin the official name of the nation is "Confoederatio Helvetica", which on coins and stamps is shortened to Helvetia. On coins Helvetia is the female national personification of the country. Another fun fact that I learned today. This wasn't always the case as in the 1580's apparently a bull was preferred, not exactly sure why, I suppose because they look tough? I searched to see if by chance they produced coinage at that point but couldn't find any, I assume because they were part of the Holy Roman Empire.
Today's coin is from 1914 and is from a old scan, but it's very cool coin!
About the coin:
Country: Switzerland
Denomination: 1/2 Franc
Mint: Bern
Composition: 83.5% silver/ 16.5% copper
Mintage: 2,000,000
Weight: 2.5 grams
Diameter: 18.2 mm
Thickness: 1.28 mm
Edge: Reeded
Demonetized: Yes
Designer: Albert Wach
Obverse: Helvetia with spear and shield surrounded by 22 stars
Reverse: Wreath with denomination and date, mint mark below
Although the coin is somewhat worn I've always liked it as a momento of my trip. It's a beautiful design and has a relatively high amount of silver at 83.5%. Definitely a great collector's item or to add to your stack if you can find a low enough premium. These days that's getting tough to do. Thanks for taking the time to read my post today, I usually share my treasure hunting post midweek but I haven't had time to finish it, so hopefully for tomorrow. Thanks for stopping by!
References:
Numista
https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces180.html
Wikipedia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Switzerland
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helvetia
Now for the winner of the re-blog lottery! The people who re-blogged were: @blitzzzz @enginewitty @damoclesart @dfreitesp @florakese @geneeverett @hooiyewlim @kerrislravenhill @koleso @ladymisa @maddogmike @matthew1 @mirroredspork @olaf.gui @trautenberk @trumpman
Thanks everyone! It really helps my engagement which I'm working hard to improve! If you have any recommendations or suggestions please feel free to let me know.
And the Wheel of Names results:
Congratulations @hooiyewlim !
@trumpman , you were oh so close this time!
I just sent over the funds for your 3 HBI units!
Now for today's re-blog lottery! You just need to re-blog my post you will be placed on the Wheel of Names for a spin to possibly win 3 HBI units! Just one prize for the lucky winner. Bots aren't allowed to enter please. Contest ends when I publish my next post which should be tomorrow. If I somehow missed you please let me know and I'll add you to the next draw.
Good luck to everyone!
What are HBI units? They are units that you can purchase to sponsor someone and you in turn receive a unit as well. This way we both benefit! They give you occasional upvotes on your posts for a lifetime, and the more you accumulate the more often you receive upvotes and the bigger they can be. You can read some more here:
https://hive.blog/hive-189312/@steembasicincome/hive-sbi
If you have more questions feel free to ask.
.jpg)