Swissmint Patterns at Numismatica Genevensis SA

Technical Patterns – The Press Force

This means that patterns tell us what a coin might have looked like. Switzerland has a long tradition in this area. The Vreneli with the “forehead curl” and the Durussel pattern are both coveted rarities among Swiss collectors. There is, however, a crucial difference between these patterns and contemporary specimens: In the past, patterns showed different motifs. Based on these patterns, politicians decided whether the design of a new commemorative coin met their expectations. This is no longer necessary today. For one, the decision-making process is different, and secondly, design technologies have been perfected to such an extent that it is no longer necessary to check the motif on the minted coin.

For this reason, today’s patterns are the result of minting engineers trying out different technical parameters. In most cases, the question is how much pressure the minting press needs to apply to achieve the best result. The lower the press force, the fewer dies need to be produced, making the entire production process more energy-efficient.

Let us take the example of the 25-franc piece of 2024. This series, of which only 5,000 specimens were produced, is a tribute to Swiss coinage.

No. 1689. Switzerland. Pattern of 20 francs 1871, Brussels. PCGS SP64. Estimate: CHF 10,000. Photo: Lübke + Wiedemann KG.

The design of the obverse is based on patterns issued for a planned first gold issue in Switzerland. Jürg Richter believes that around 200 of these pieces were created in 1871. They are currently sold at well over CHF 15,000. The reverse of the 25-franc commemorative coin of 2024 is reminiscent of the enigmatic 25-franc pieces of 1955, which were melted down after 1999 except for very few specimens.

When Swissmint prepared the commemorative coin series, the minting engineers tested a minimum press force of 60 tons. The result shows that this low press force was not enough to create a clearly minted specimen: while the slightly raised motifs are visible, it was not enough to create the lettering. At 160 tons, on the other hand, every detail is visible, including the hatching of the coat of arms.

Incidentally, neither solution was chosen for the final coin: in order to use as few dies as possible, a press force of 99 tons was applied – but as this did not create a clearly visible motif, the process was repeated three times per piece.

The patterns produced for this piece may turn out to be particularly interesting objects, as the story of this commemorative coin is likely to continue: Is has been said that Swissmint is considering offering a 25-franc gold coin with the same design from 2026 onwards – only the year will be adapted. The coins will be sold at a price as close to the gold price as possible.