Issuance of the Latest Commemorative Coins: Swissmint Honours Animal of the Year 2026 with a Special Coin

Under the name 'Federal Special Coins', Swissmint produces exclusive collector's coins in limited editions. With the launch of the new commemorative coin, Switzerland's native wildlife is brought into the public's awareness, while also making a statement for nature and species conservation.

Annual Selection of Animal of the Year

Since 1998, Pro Natura has annually named the Animal of the Year to draw attention to endangered and especially worthy of protection animal species in Switzerland. In 2026, the hedgehog takes centre stage, as a symbol for the diversity of the native wildlife and the close connection between humans and nature.

The Commemorative Coins Tell Stories and Reflect the Diversity of Our Country

The new special coin features the hedgehog in an aluminium bronze and copper-nickel alloy. The 10-franc coin depicts the animals in their natural habitat and weighs 15 g with a diameter of 33 mm.

The obverse side prominently features two hedgehogs facing each other in profile, whose finely detailed features are particularly accentuated. In the background, a third hedgehog is depicted facing forward, seemingly observing its peers, adding depth and a strong narrative effect to the motif. The edge of the coin is highlighted by the inscription 'Animal of the Year' and the name 'Hedgehog', appearing in the four national languages.

The reverse side offers an artistic interpretation of the hedgehog's nocturnal world. The motif centres on the animal's spines, whose lines subtly suggest the silhouette of the moon. This symbolic design references the hedgehog's nocturnal habits, reinforcing the connection between the animal and its natural habitat. To underscore this nocturnal atmosphere, stars are integrated into the deliberately minimalist spaces, making the moon and night sky clearly recognizable. The coin's rim bears the nominal value of 10 francs, the inscription 'CONFOEDERATIO HELVETICA', the minting year 2026, and the mint mark 'B' for Swissmint.

The special coin will be available in a limited edition of 7,500 uncirculated pieces at a price of 15 francs, and as a polished plate in 2,500 pieces at a price of 55 francs. It will be available from March 19, 2026, in the official Swissmint online shop.

Each of These Commemorative Coins is a Miniature Work of Art

The Federal Mint Swissmint mints the Swiss franc on behalf of the Swiss Confederation. Since 1855, this has been produced in the heart of Switzerland and since 1906, in the popular Kirchenfeld district of Bern. Since 1936, Swissmint has also issued commemorative coins to commemorate significant historical and cultural events, or to honour great personalities. Each of these special coins is a miniature work of art - in unique artistic and handicraft tradition.

For inquiries: media@swissmint.ch

Editor's note: Image rights belong to the respective publisher. Image rights: Swissmint