Swiss Confederation 2 Francs Circulation Coin c. 1979
Coin/Bullion · Swissmint (Federal Mint of Switzerland)
Pattern: Swiss Franc Currency Series, Helvetia/Wreath design
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Swissmint (Federal Mint of Switzerland)
Material
Cupronickel (75% copper, 25% nickel); note that Swiss 2 Franc coins minted from 1968 onward contain no silver, transitioning from .835 fine silver to base metal cupronickel.
Dimensions
Standard Swiss 2 Franc coin: diameter 27.4 mm, thickness approximately 2.15 mm, and weight of 8.80 grams.
Description
A standard circulating Swiss 2 Franc coin dated 1979, captured resting on a printed scheduling calendar. The obverse or reverse displays the prominent '2 Fr.' denomination above the year '1979', framed by a detailed botanical wreath symbolizing Alpine flora. While frequently mistaken for silver by casual observers due to its bright metallic sheen and historic associations with Swiss silver coinage, 1979 issues are strictly copper-nickel alloy.
Key Features
Distinctive Alpine wreath motif, clear '2 Fr.' denomination, 1979 date stamp, and standard cupronickel metallic composition.
Material & Composition
Cupronickel (75% copper, 25% nickel); note that Swiss 2 Franc coins minted from 1968 onward contain no silver, transitioning from .835 fine silver to base metal cupronickel.
Finish & Decoration
Milled edge, standard business strike finish with reeded rim, featuring a central denomination '2 Fr.' and year '1979' surrounded by an open wreath of alpine flora (gentian, edelweiss, and alpine rose).
Hallmarks & Stamps
The letter 'B' mint mark may be present indicating production at the Bern mint, along with standard numerical denomination and date stamps.
Construction Details
Machine-struck, high-pressure coined from rolled cupronickel strip with a reeded edge applied via collar die during striking.
Functional Features
Legal tender circulating currency coin designed for daily economic transactions in Switzerland.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable to coins, though the reeded edge provides tactile grip and discourages counterfeiting or clipping.
Craftsmanship Details
High-precision industrial minting featuring sharp relief, perfectly centered dies, and uniform reeding characteristic of Swissmint quality control.
Authentication Indicators
Correct diameter, reeded edge, standard mass of 8.8 grams, and precise typography consistent with genuine Swissmint production. Magnetic properties should be neutral (cupronickel is non-magnetic).
Origin & Manufacturing
Bern, Switzerland, produced by the official federal mint under strict national banking and currency standards.
Era & Period
Modern Era (Post-WWII / Late 20th Century)
Age Estimate
Dated 1979, minted specifically during that calendar year.
Cultural Significance
Represents the long-standing stability, neutrality, and economic strength of the Swiss franc, one of the world's oldest and most reliable currencies still in circulation.
Condition Notes
Circulated condition with typical minor surface abrasions, microscopic contact marks, and light wear on the highest relief points of the wreath and lettering. Grade estimated as About Uncirculated to Extremely Fine.
Value Estimate
Face value equivalent (2 Swiss Francs, roughly equivalent to US $2.20 to $2.50 depending on exchange rates), as circulated modern cupronickel coins generally carry little to no numismatic premium above face value.
Care & Maintenance
Requires no special care as a base metal circulating coin; store in a dry environment or standard coin holder if kept as a modern collectible.
Similar Pieces
Swiss 1 Franc and 5 Franc coins from the same era, as well as earlier Swiss silver 2 Franc pieces minted prior to 1968.
Interesting Facts
Switzerland maintained a silver coinage standard for its fractional currency longer than many industrial nations, finally abandoning .835 silver for the 1/2, 1, and 2 franc denominations in 1968 due to rising global silver bullion prices.