New Swiss commemorative coins: "Gottardo 2016", "150th Anniversary of the Swiss Red Cross" and "Alpine Edelweiss"

Bern, 28 January 2016, 28.01.2016 - On 28 January 2016, the Federal Mint Swissmint launches three new commemorative coins for coin enthusiasts and collectors. The first of the two silver coins, entitled "Gottardo 2016", is dedicated to the new Gotthard Base Tunnel, and the second to the 150th Anniversary of the Swiss Red Cross. Finally, the bimetal coin "Alpine Edelweiss" is the first coin in the new series "FLORA ALPINA".

The Gotthard mountain range has always played a special role in the lives of people on both sides of the Alps. For centuries, muleteers transported all sorts of goods over the Gotthard Pass on their mules. Despite major risks, this was a very busy road as it was the shortest connection over the Alps. The advent of the railway and the building of the first Gotthard Tunnel brought about radical change. The mountain pass was stripped of its previous importance overnight by the capacity of the rail link which opened in 1882. The road tunnel which opened in 1980 revolutionised the transalpine traffic once more. This year, a new chapter is being written in the Gotthard's long transport history. After a construction period of 17 years, the experts and engineers are set to complete the 57 km Gotthard Base Tunnel on time. The official opening ceremony of the world's longest tunnel will be held at both tunnel portals on 1 June 2016. Swissmint is issuing a 20-franc silver commemorative coin for the inauguration of the construction project of the century. The coin shows the tunnel's north portal in Erstfeld. Another coin in gold showing the south portal in Bodio will be issued on 26 May 2016. The graphic artist Fredy Trümpi, from Binz, designed both coins. Further information on the new Gotthard Base Tunnel is available at www.gottardo2016.ch and www.alptransit.ch.

The Swiss Red Cross (SRC) is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. To honour this event Swissmint is issuing a 20-franc silver commemorative coin designed by the graphic artist Marc Roulin from Romont. But let's take a look back: On 17 July 1866, General Henri Dufour, Federal Councillor Jakob Dubs and other prominent figures met in Bern with the goal of founding the Swiss Red Cross (SRC). This new organisation was initially called the "Aid organisation for Swiss soldiers and their families" and reflected the organisation's purpose at that time of supporting the Armed Forces medical services in times of war through voluntary workers. This was also one of Henry Dunant's basic ideas. The aid organisation's first major effort came with the internment of the Army of the East, commanded by General Bourbaki, in 1871 during the Franco-Prussian War. The SRC's activity during both world wars consolidated the aid organisation's position and enhanced its reputation at both national and international level. After World War II, its focus shifted increasingly to the civilian sector, with numerous new tasks. The Swiss Red Cross is currently Switzerland's largest humanitarian organisation. Further information is available at www.redcross.ch.

The motif of the first commemorative coin in the three-part series "FLORA ALPINA" is the Alpine edelweiss. The graphic artist Jenny Leibundgut, from Bern, designed the new 10-franc bimetallic coin. The edelweiss, the symbol of the Alps, has achieved cult status. It symbolises beauty, desire, honesty, purity and courage. Contrary to popular belief, the Alpine edelweiss (Leontopodium nivale) is not at all a plant that is found only on steep rocky slopes. Although it also grows on rocky terrain, it feels much more at home in Alpine pastures, as it originated in high-altitude plateaus. Due to excessive picking, however, the flower was almost completely wiped out to the point that nowadays it is usually found only in areas that are difficult to access. So, finding an edelweiss in the wild is a rare stroke of luck. Instead, it is more commonly seen in tourism advertisements and on fashion items or souvenirs. Anyone bold enough to pick this rare and difficult-to-access flower for his beloved will certainly be rewarded.

The new commemorative coins are available from 28 January 2016 as limited editions from coin dealers, banks and at www.swissmintshop.ch. At the same time appear also the annual circulation coin sets.

The Federal Mint Swissmint
Swissmint produces the country's coins for use in everyday payment transactions. The Federal Mint also regularly issues commemorative coins and coinage of a higher standard for the numismatic market. Coins in bimetal, silver and gold bear an official nominal value and are available in various minting qualities. Swissmint is also the official authority for public and private clients seeking authenticity checks and expert opinions.

Address for enquiries

Urs Liechti
Bernastrasse 28, 3003 Bern
Tel. +41 58 465 12 95
Fax +41 58 462 60 07
urs.liechti@swissmint.ch
www.swissmint.ch