Latest special coin to be issued: The Rhone glacier bimetallic coin is the third in the three-part series on Swiss glaciers
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Latest special coin to be issued: The Rhone glacier bimetallic coin is the third in the three-part series on Swiss glaciers
On 11 January 2024, Swissmint is issuing the new Rhone glacier bimetallic coin, the third in the three-part series on Swiss glaciers. The first special coin of 2024 honours the more than 10-km long valley glacier as a major landmark in Goms and in Switzerland.
Swissmint produces exclusive and limited-edition collector coins under the name "Swiss special coins". The Rhone glacier – known in some areas as the Rotten glacier – is a valley glacier at the source of the Rhone in the far north-east of the canton of Valais and one of the key landmarks in Goms and in Switzerland. It spans around 10 kilometres and forms the source of the Rhone. The glacier has an average width of around two kilometres and covers an area of approximately 17 km². The Rhone glacier was a major tourist attraction, especially in the 19th and early 20th centuries, due to its tongue, which back then still reached far down into the valley at Gletsch. In recent decades, the glacier has lost a considerable amount of its mass due to climate change. Its surface is dominated by large crevasses and ice caves. Even today, tourists can still view the Rhone Glacier from the Belvedere platform. Conservation and research efforts are underway to understand the effects of climate change on the Rhone glacier and to protect it. It is currently assumed that it will have almost completely disappeared by 2100. The Rhone glacier special coin immortalises the beauty of this natural phenomenon.
The special coins bring our country's history and memories to life
The 15g special coin "Rhone glacier", made of aluminium bronze and copper-nickel, stands out thanks to its impressive attention to detail on the obverse side, which shows part of the Rhone glacier. The reverse shows the face value of CHF 10. The bimetallic coin will be released in proof quality, with artist's certificate and in uncirculated quality. The special coin is also part of the 2024 annual coin sets, in both brilliant uncirculated and proof quality. These will also be available from 11 January.
Each of these special coins is a miniature work of art
The Federal Mint Swissmint produces Swiss franc coins on behalf of the Swiss Confederation. These have been created in the heart of Switzerland since 1855, and in the popular Kirchenfeld district of Bern since 1906. Since 1936, Swissmint has also minted special coins to commemorate important historical and cultural events and to honour prominent figures. Each of these special coins is a miniature work of art in a unique tradition of artistry and craftsmanship.
Further details: media@swissmint.ch
