Il fronte dei 10 centesimi di franco invariati dal 1879 e il fronte del quarto di franco del 2020 dedicato ad Albert Einstein

Two numismatic world records are from Switzerland

Guiness Book of World Records certifies the “Albert Einstein” quarter franc gold coin issued in 2020 and the 10 centime coin dating from 1879

Swissmint, the Federal Mint of the Swiss Confederation, is proud to have achieved two world records in the field of numismatics.

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The gold 1/4 franc coin issued in 2020 and the 10 centime coin enter the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s smallest commemorative coin and the oldest original coin in circulation respectively.
With the exception of the year designation, the obverse and reverse of the 10 centime coin have remained unchanged since 1879.

I certificati rilasciati alla Zecca federale Swissmint dal Guinnness dei Primati nel 2021 — The certificates issued to the Swissmint Federal Mint by the Guinness Book of Records in 2021

The world’s smallest commemorative coin

Broadening horizons, exploiting the potential of technology, producing something unique: it was in this spirit that Swissmint minted a coin with a diameter of 2.96 millimetres and a weight of only 0.063 grams.
The exceptional size of this 1/4 franc coin issued in 2020 earned it the record for the smallest commemorative coin in the world. Despite its extremely small size, the obverse and reverse of the coin were machine minted and adorned with various motifs.

Il quarto di franco del 2020 dedicato ad Albert Einstein — The quarter franc of 2020 dedicated to Albert Einstein

The subject imprinted on the right is Albert Einstein who, with his tenacity and patience, was the source of inspiration for the project. Next to the famous image of the scientist showing his tongue is the year 2020.
The reverse side features the coin’s face value, i.e. “¼ Fr.”, the words “HELVETIA” and the Swiss cross.

1/4 franc coin, the smallest commemorative coin in the world (in italian)

1/4 franc coin, the smallest commemorative coin in the world (in German)

1/4 franc coin, the smallest commemorative coin in the world (in French)

In4 order to allow the naked eye to admire the minting of the world’s smallest coin, Swissmint commissioned a special case equipped with magnifying glasses and a light source. With a limited edition of 999 pieces, the coin sold very quickly.

The 10-cent coin in circulation since 1879

In 1853, i.e. five years after the entry into force of the Federal Constitution, the Federal Mint was set up in Bern and began minting coins for Switzerland.
The obverse of the first 10 centimes featured a shield with a Swiss cross in front of an oak leaf and the inscription “HELVETIA”.

I 10 centesimi di franco invariati dal 1879 — The 10 franc centimes unchanged since 1879

Only in 1879 the motif was replaced by the right profile of a woman with the inscription “LIBERTAS” on the diadem and the inscription “CONFOEDERATIO HELVETICA” along the edge.

10 cent coin, the oldest coin in the world still in circulation (in italian)

10 cent coin, the oldest coin in the world still in circulation (in German)

10 cent coin, the oldest coin in the world still in circulation (in French)

The image is the work of Karl Schwenzer and is still used for minting 10 cent coins. The 1879 pieces that are still in circulation retain their validity and are legal tender.
The 10-cent coin has been in use in the same form for over 140 years and has thus entered the record books as the oldest coin in the world still in circulation.