Latest special coin to be issued: the Swiss linguistic diversity gold coin

On 30 November, Swissmint will launch the new Swiss linguistic diversity gold coin. Cultural diversity and plurilingualism are part of the very essence of Switzerland and the latest issue will honour these qualities.

Swissmint produces exclusive and limited-edition collector coins under the name "Swiss special coins". The latest special coin celebrates a special feature and a defining characteristic of Switzerland: plurilingualism. According to Nicoletta Mariolini, Federal Delegate for Plurilingualism, this really is worth its weight in gold.

The special coins honour projects, associations and prominent figures, and draw attention to issues that are important for Switzerland.

The 5.64g, 900 gold alloy "Swiss linguistic diversity" special coin depicts the four language regions on the obverse. From left to right, French-speaking Switzerland, German-speaking Switzerland, Italian-speaking Switzerland and Romansh-speaking Switzerland. These four language regions are skilfully combined to form one overall view: four languages, four regions, one Switzerland. The coin's name "Varietad Linguistica" comes from the Romansh (Rumantsch Grischun, "standard" Romansh) and is a tribute to paragraph 5 of Article 70 of the Federal Constitution: "The Confederation shall support measures by the Cantons of Graubünden and Ticino to preserve and promote the Romansh and the Italian languages."

The reverse features four speech bubbles, which together form a Swiss cross, with passages from Article 70 of the Federal Constitution. In German, paragraph 3, which lays the foundation for the promotion of plurilingualism. In French, paragraph 4, which guarantees federal support to plurilingual cantons; and in Italian and Romansh, paragraph 5, which guarantees federal support to the cantons of Graubünden and Ticino for the preservation and promotion of the Romansh and Italian languages. In addition, the reverse bears the words CONFOEDERATIO HELVETICA (clockwise), the year of issue 2023 and the face value of CHF 25.

The coin was designed by CIT Coin Invest AG and Swissmint engraver Remo Mascherini. 5,000 coins will be issued in proof quality.

Each of these special coins is a miniature work of art

The Federal Mint Swissmint produces Swiss franc coins on behalf of the Swiss Confederation. These have been created in the heart of Switzerland since 1855, and in the popular Kirchenfeld district of Bern since 1906. Since 1936, Swissmint has also minted special coins to commemorate important historical and cultural events and to honour prominent figures. Each of these special coins is a miniature work of art in a unique tradition of artistry and craftsmanship.