A new coin dedicated to solar energy
From July 21, 2022, available in limited edition is the new silver coin “Solar Energy,” the second in the series of three coins concerning the theme of “energy of the future.”
Silver color coin with fluorescent elements “Solar energy,” face value: 20 francs
In addition to hydropower, solar energy and wind power are the main pillars of renewable energy in Switzerland, although exploited to a lesser extent than the former. The use of inexhaustible renewable energies should help reduce dependence on oil and gas as well as nuclear technology and, in the long run, seek to phase out fossil-based energy needs.
With the “Energy of the Future” series, Swissmint wants to emphasize the importance of issues concerning climate change and renewable energy. “Solar Energy” follows the three-coin series that began in 2021.
The obverse of the 20-franc silver coin “Solar Energy” is divided into two sections. The upper half depicts a colorful abstract figure in which the sun with rays can be recognized. The lower half, on the other hand, depicts various technical elements related to the actual production of energy from the sun (including some details on the operation of a solar cell, technical drawings of components, and data on solar energy in Switzerland). Imprinted along the bottom edge are the words “SONNE” and “ENERGIE” in capital letters, followed by the corresponding terms in French (“soleil”) and Italian (“sun”). As in last year’s “Hydropower” special coin, fluorescent elements glow in the darkness. The design was created by Benjamin Löbbert, engraver at Swissmint.
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The reverse was reworked by Remo Mascherini, Swissmint’s engraver. The intent is to echo the theme represented by the coin, creating a link with the obverse. The upper edge of the reverse reads, clockwise, the words “CONFOEDERATIO HELVETICA,” the year of minting “2022,” the mint mark “B” in reference to Bern, and the coin’s value “20 FR.” A technical drawing of the sun with solar cells is reproduced in the center.
A new coin to celebrate the centenary of the «10 franc Vreneli»
The new coin face, with the text on the edge and the image in the middle, may be used for all special coins.
The “Solar Energy” silver coin, available only in “mirror bottom” quality and sold in a case with a numbered certificate of authenticity, is part of the three-coin “Energy of the Future” series. In 2023, the “Wind Energy” special coin will close the series.
Swissmint ‘s new special coin will be available from July 21, 2022 in a limited edition at www.swissmintshop.ch as well as in some numismatic stores and banks.
Foglio informativo Energia Solare – Serie Energia del Futuro (Italiano)
Fiche d’information – Monnaie d’argent «Énergie solaire» Série «Énergies d’avenir» (français)
Factsheet – Silbermünze «Sonnenenergie» Serie «Energie der Zukunft» (Deutsch)
Factsheet – Solar energy silver coin (English)
Description of the quality of the coins
“Mirror Bottom”: minting of the highest quality, the coinage is only used for about 500 coins, and each piece is individually processed. In a complex procedure, the blanks are further polished and surface-treated. The coins are individually packaged in transparent capsules and sold in a case with a numbered certificate of authenticity.
Federal Mint Swissmint
The Federal Mint Swissmint mints Swiss circulating coins intended for daily payment transactions. For the numismatic market, the Mint also regularly issues special coins and special quality circulating coins. The special coins, bimetallic, silver or gold, have a face value guaranteed by the state and are minted in different qualities.
Source: https://www.swissmint.ch