© stratocaster (CC BY-NC-SA)
© stratocaster (CC BY-NC-SA)
5 Francs Herdsman; copper-nickel; embossed edge
| Copper-nickel (75% copper, 25% nickel) | 13.20 g | 31.45 mm |
| Issuer | Switzerland › Switzerland (1848-date) |
|---|---|
| Period | Federal State (1848-date) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1968-2024 |
| Value | 5 Francs 5 CHF = USD 5.86 |
| Currency | Franc (1850-date) |
| Composition | Copper-nickel (75% copper, 25% nickel) |
| Weight | 13.20 g |
| Diameter | 31.45 mm |
| Thickness | 2.35 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Updated | 2024-10-08 |
| Numista | N#195 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 3% |
Reverse
The Swiss escutcheon with flower wreaths and the face value, date and mintmark if present at bottom.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
5 FR.
1994
B
Designer: Paul Burkhard
Edge
Embossed lettering.
Script: Latin
Lettering: ★★★ DOMINUS | PROVIDEBIT | ★★★★★★★★★★
Translation: The Lord Will Provide
Comment
In 1967, the price of silver soared steeply, reaching 260 francs per kilogram in August and 350 francs per kilogram in March 1968. At this time, the melt value of the 1⁄2, 1, and 2 franc pieces was circa 46% higher than their nominal value. Nevertheless, the nominal value of the 5 franc coin continued to stay slightly above its melt value of 4.38 francs. Switzerland started to experience a severe shortage of cash, due to the 1⁄2, 1, and 2 franc pieces being illegally melted. To a certain extend, the number of 5 franc pieces in circulation also dropped, due to hoarding.To alleviate the crisis, the federal council switched to a copper-nickel alloy for the 1⁄2, 1, and 2 franc pieces in 1968. Moreover, the federal council secretly approved the minting of copper-nickel 5 franc pieces as well, but initially concealed the 33 871 000 pieces minted in 1968. Officially, 5 532 000 silver pieces were reported for 1967. To avoid a further shortage of cash, the Swiss mint produced an additional 8 285 000 silver pieces in 1968, but dated 1967, and 8 637 000 silver pieces in 1969, after which, the copper-nickel pieces dated 1968 were finally released into circulation.
Source: Ruedi Kunzmann; 2002. "Die Silbermünzenkrise der Schweiz von 1968 und die Tätigkeit der Royal Mint, London". Schweizer Münzblätter, volume 50-52, page 68-72.
Proof.
