Description
The Swiss 20 Franc Helvetia Gold Coin
The 20 Francs Gold Helvetia coin was minted from 1897 through 1949 with a total mintage of 58.6 million coins. Following the formation of the Swiss Confederation in 1848, the Swiss Franc became the officially recognized currency based upon the French Franc. The 20 Franc denomination and metal purities established by Napoleon for 1803 France were followed for its production. The Federal Council of Switzerland decided in 1895 that the 20 Swiss Franc Gold coins should have a new design which has been affectionately referred to as Vreneli and become its informal designation for all Swiss Francs of this design.