Release of the Latest Commemorative Coin: Coin Series Honours Swiss Aviation

Under the name «Federal Commemorative Coins», Swissmint produces exclusive collector coins in limited editions. The launch of the new silver coins, commemorating the history of Swiss aviation, showcases the progress of today's aviation technology. Throughout the three releases, the history of aviation will be narrated, beginning with the first hot air balloons. What today seems commonplace was once a daring adventure: the coin series honours the groundbreaking pioneering work in aviation and serves as a reminder that a century full of courage, vision, and technical mastery was necessary to make the dream of flight a reality.

First Conquest of the Air by Balloons

Aviation in Switzerland began at the end of the 19th century with balloon pioneers. In 1897, the Federal Council decided to establish a Swiss balloon company, ten years after the spread of military balloon operations in Europe. Before that, pioneers like Eduard Spelterini and the Piccard brothers had already conducted initial balloon experiments for the army. With the First World War and the development of modern air forces, the significance of ballooning waned; the unit was finally disbanded in 1937.

Commemorative Coins Shape Stories and Memories of Our Country

With the new commemorative coin series, an important chapter of Swiss history is brought to the spotlight and immortalised in silver. The series begins with the 20-franc coin «Pioneers of Swiss Aviation», which tells the story of the conquest of the skies by hot air balloons. It is made of pure 999 silver, weighs 20 g, and has a diameter of 33 millimetres.

The obverse side shows various balloons, reflecting the technical developments of the time through their shapes and baskets. They symbolise both technological progress and the passion of early Swiss aviation pioneers. Against the backdrop of the Saanenland region with the Swiss mountains Gummfluh, La Videmanette, and Rüeblihorn, the balloons rise into the sky, accompanied by the inscription «Pioneers of Swiss Aviation».

The reverse side features a propeller blade, highlighting the progress of technology up to the present day. It is framed by the inscription «CONFOEDERATIO HELVETICA 2025». The denomination of 20 francs and the letter «B» for Bern complete the design.

The coin is issued in a limited edition of 7,500 uncirculated versions with a release price of 25 francs, and in a polished-proof version of 3,500 copies at a release price of 79 francs. It will be available from 18 September 2025 in the official Swissmint online shop.

Every One of These Commemorative Coins Is a Small Masterpiece

The Federal Mint Swissmint mints the Swiss franc on behalf of the Swiss Confederation. Since 1855, this has been happening in the heart of Switzerland and since 1906 in the popular Kirchenfeld district in Bern. Since 1936, Swissmint has also been minting commemorative coins to commemorate significant historical and cultural events or in honour of great personalities. Each of these commemorative coins is a small masterpiece - in an artistic and craft-unique tradition.

Media contact:
Federal Mint Swissmint
info@swissmint.ch