Launch of new Mani Matter silver coin under new "Swiss special coins" brand and issue of 2022 Christmas coin set

Bern, 21.11.2022, 21.11.2022 - From 24 November 2022, all of Switzerland's special coins will go on sale under the new "Swiss special coins" brand, thereby marking the beginning of a new chapter in Swissmint's history. The Mani Matter silver coin is thus the first coin to be issued under the new brand. Released 50 years after the singer-songwriter's accidental death, the coin shows part of his face with his distinctive moustache, as well as some of his song Dr Alpeflug. In addition, starting with this issue, all silver special coins will have a fineness of 999.9. The 2022 Christmas coin set, the last of its kind, will also be launched on 24 November 2022. The new products can be bought at www.swissmintshop.ch.

From 24 November 2022, the Federal Mint Swissmint will market all new special coins under the "Swiss special coins" brand. To increase sales, the word "Swiss" will be used to refer clearly to the origin. The aim is for the coins minted under this brand to be recognisable for everyone so as to differentiate our products from those of other suppliers of coin-like items.

Mani Matter CHF 20 silver coin

Hans Peter "Mani" Matter (*4 August 1936 in Herzogenbuchsee; †24 November 1972 in Kilchberg ZH) was a Swiss singer-songwriter and lawyer. Inspired by Georges Brassens, he began writing, composing and interpreting Bernese dialect chansons at the age of 13. Even now, fifty years after his accidental death, the popularity of Mani Matter and his songs remains undimmed.

The obverse of the CHF 20 Mani Matter silver coin shows part of Mani Matter's face with his distinctive moustache on the right of the coin. He is looking directly at the viewer. The left shows his full name on two lines, followed by his year of birth and death, separated by a vertical line. The outline of half of a guitar forms a border around the writing. The new special coin was designed by Swissmint engraver Remo Mascherini.

A bird and a mask, both drawings by Mani Matter, are depicted in the middle of the reverse. A line of the sheet music for the Bernese dialect song Dr Alpeflug flows from the mask's open mouth. The corresponding excerpt of the lyrics is shown below it. Read clockwise, the border features the words CONFOEDERATIO HELVETICA, the year of minting 2022, the mint mark "B", the value 20 FR, and the fineness of 999.9 offset slightly inwards.

2022 Christmas coin set

The Christmas coin set (the last of its kind) rounds off Swissmint's programme of issues for 2022. It combines the 2022 circulation coins with a shiny Christmas medal. The medal depicts a trumpet-blowing angel and snow stars on the front, and the star of Bethlehem on the reverse.

The new special coin from Swissmint and the Christmas coin set will be available from 24 November 2022 in a limited edition at www.swissmintshop.ch and from individual coin dealers and banks.

Quality descriptions for coins

Uncirculated: minted in normal machine production, presented in a blister pack.

Proof: highest minting quality, individual production, the coin die is used only around 500 times, coin planchets are polished and surface-treated in an elaborate process. Coins are individually packed in coin capsules, and sold in a presentation case complete with certificate of authenticity.

The Federal Mint Swissmint

The Federal Mint Swissmint produces the country's coins for use in everyday payment transactions. It also regularly issues special coins and coinage of a higher standard for the numismatic market. Special coins in bimetal, silver or gold bear an official, state-guaranteed, nominal value and are available in various minting qualities.

Address for enquiries

Jan Niklas Betz
Head of Sales and Marketing
Bernastrasse 28, 3003 Bern
Email: media@swissmint.ch
Web: www.swissmint.ch