Shooting Thaler
Encyclopedia
Shooting thalers are commemorative coin
s minted to commemorate the shooting festival
(German: Schützenfest, French: Fête de tir) or free shoots (German: Freischiessen, French: Tir libre) tournaments that were held in various Cantons within the Swiss Confederation
. Most of the designs differ from their circulating
counterparts, though the pieces issued for the shooting festivals in Geneva
in 1851 and Solothurn
in 1855 are exceptions. Most shooting thaler designs depict strongly cantonal or patriotic themes, such as historical military leaders or heraldry
. The entire series can be distinguished from shooting medals by their adherence to the specifications of circulating coinage. All but the Stans
and St. Gallen
issues are denominated. Other countries have minted coins in honor of shooting festivals or marksmanship competitions, but only Swiss pieces are considered shooting thalers.
The first shooting thaler
was issued for the Chur
shooting festival in 1842 and is denominated at four francs
. The second, issued for Glarus
, has a face value of forty batzen
. The third, minted for the shooting festival in Geneva
is denominated at ten francs. A total of eighteen designs were struck in the nineteenth century, concluding with the Bern issue of 1885. All those struck from 1855 to 1885 bear the denomination of five francs. Many nineteenth century issues were also struck in various other metals besides silver, including gold and white metal
, in small quantities. In 1934, a new series began production. This series, however, was cut short due to the outbreak of World War II
. A new series of shooting thalers began mintage in 1984. The first coins issued in this new series were those minted for the festival at Oberhasli
. Every year since has seen the mintage of two coins, each bearing the same design, one struck in silver, the other in gold. The only exceptions are the issues of Zürich
and Sion
in 1999, one of which was struck in copper–nickel
, two in silver and two in gold. Until 1995, silver issues were denominated at fifty francs, while gold pieces were denominated at 1,000 francs. Later, gold issues were denominated at 500 francs, excepting only the Zürich issues of 1999.
issue, were strictly legal tender. Nineteenth-century Confederation shooting thaler issues were minted to legal fineness, and were thus allowed to bear the denomination of five francs
. Beginning in 1865, Switzerland became a member of the Latin Monetary Union
. Shooting thalers were not included in the mintages authorized by the Union. Therefore, these issues are commonly considered semi-medallic, though they could circulate due to their size and weight being the same as that of the regular five franc issues. This series of shooting thalers, following the standards of the Latin Monetary Union, began in 1855 with the Solothurn issue and ended in 1885 with the Bern issue. In 1927, the Monetary Union ceased to exist. Mintage began on a new series of shooting thalers in 1934 in honor of the shooting festival in Fribourg
. Another design was issued in 1939 for the Lucerne
festival. The 1934 issue was the last official shooting thaler that matched the circulating counterpart in both diameter and weight. The 1939 issues were not the same size and weight as their circulating counterparts. Both issues were redeemable only at the shooting festival or participating businesses. This series was cut short, however, due to the outbreak of World War II. In 1984, a new series of shooting thalers began mintage, due largely to the efforts of California
-based coin dealer Richard Nelson. These issues, like those minted in 1939, are not minted to legal fineness and are not considered legal tender.
s were struck in honor of the Officers' Shoot held in Langenthal
, Bern, in 1822. They can usually be distinguished from shooting thalers by their lack of denomination and difference in weight and often composition, though there is evidence that many of thaler-size did circulate amongst the legal tender coins of Switzerland. Shooting medals were minted in a variety of metals, including silver, bronze
, goldene and white metal.
coin-issuing entities have minted coins to honor or promote shooting festivals that took place within their territory, many of which actually carried the denomination of 1 thaler. Examples include the German States
of Baden
, Bremen
, Frankfurt am Main and Hanover
, as well as the Swiss canton of Vaud
.
Commemorative coin
Commemorative coins are coins that were issued to commemorate some particular event or issue. Most world commemorative coins were issued from the 1960s onward, although there are numerous examples of commemorative coins of earlier date. Such coins have a distinct design with reference to the...
s minted to commemorate the shooting festival
Schützenfest
A Schützenfest is a traditional festival or fair featuring a target shooting competition in the cultures of both Germany and Switzerland....
(German: Schützenfest, French: Fête de tir) or free shoots (German: Freischiessen, French: Tir libre) tournaments that were held in various Cantons within the Swiss Confederation
Switzerland
Switzerland name of one of the Swiss cantons. ; ; ; or ), in its full name the Swiss Confederation , is a federal republic consisting of 26 cantons, with Bern as the seat of the federal authorities. The country is situated in Western Europe,Or Central Europe depending on the definition....
. Most of the designs differ from their circulating
Circulation (currency)
The social system in which we live has usually developed to the stage for money to be used as the medium for the exchange of goods and services. Hence the money is an important aspect of the general social or macroeconomics system...
counterparts, though the pieces issued for the shooting festivals in Geneva
Geneva
Geneva In the national languages of Switzerland the city is known as Genf , Ginevra and Genevra is the second-most-populous city in Switzerland and is the most populous city of Romandie, the French-speaking part of Switzerland...
in 1851 and Solothurn
Solothurn
The city of Solothurn is the capital of the Canton of Solothurn in Switzerland. The city also comprises the only municipality of the district of the same name.-Pre-roman settlement:...
in 1855 are exceptions. Most shooting thaler designs depict strongly cantonal or patriotic themes, such as historical military leaders or heraldry
Heraldry
Heraldry is the profession, study, or art of creating, granting, and blazoning arms and ruling on questions of rank or protocol, as exercised by an officer of arms. Heraldry comes from Anglo-Norman herald, from the Germanic compound harja-waldaz, "army commander"...
. The entire series can be distinguished from shooting medals by their adherence to the specifications of circulating coinage. All but the Stans
Stans
Stans is the capital of the canton of Nidwalden in Switzerland.-History:Stans is one of the oldest settlements in the entire Nidwalden valley. The first traces of human settlement date to the 2nd Century BC...
and St. Gallen
St. Gallen
St. Gallen is the capital of the canton of St. Gallen in Switzerland. It evolved from the hermitage of Saint Gall, founded in the 7th century. Today, it is a large urban agglomeration and represents the center of eastern Switzerland. The town mainly relies on the service sector for its economic...
issues are denominated. Other countries have minted coins in honor of shooting festivals or marksmanship competitions, but only Swiss pieces are considered shooting thalers.
The first shooting thaler
Thaler
The Thaler was a silver coin used throughout Europe for almost four hundred years. Its name lives on in various currencies as the dollar or tolar. Etymologically, "Thaler" is an abbreviation of "Joachimsthaler", a coin type from the city of Joachimsthal in Bohemia, where some of the first such...
was issued for the Chur
Chur
Chur or Coire is the capital of the Swiss canton of Graubünden and lies in the northern part of the canton.-History:The name "chur" derives perhaps from the Celtic kora or koria, meaning "tribe", or from the Latin curia....
shooting festival in 1842 and is denominated at four francs
Swiss franc
The franc is the currency and legal tender of Switzerland and Liechtenstein; it is also legal tender in the Italian exclave Campione d'Italia. Although not formally legal tender in the German exclave Büsingen , it is in wide daily use there...
. The second, issued for Glarus
Glarus
Glarus is the capital of the Canton of Glarus in Switzerland. Glarus municipality since 1 January 2011 incorporates the former municipalities of Ennenda, Netstal and Riedern....
, has a face value of forty batzen
Batzen
The batzen was a coin produced by Bern, Switzerland, from the 15th century until the mid-19th century. The batzen is named for the bear depicted on the batzen of Bern....
. The third, minted for the shooting festival in Geneva
Geneva
Geneva In the national languages of Switzerland the city is known as Genf , Ginevra and Genevra is the second-most-populous city in Switzerland and is the most populous city of Romandie, the French-speaking part of Switzerland...
is denominated at ten francs. A total of eighteen designs were struck in the nineteenth century, concluding with the Bern issue of 1885. All those struck from 1855 to 1885 bear the denomination of five francs. Many nineteenth century issues were also struck in various other metals besides silver, including gold and white metal
White metal
The white metals are any of several light-colored alloys used as a base for plated silverware, ornaments or novelties, as well as any of several lead-base or tin-base alloys used for things like bearings, jewellery, miniature figures, fusible plugs, some medals and metal type.Some of the metals...
, in small quantities. In 1934, a new series began production. This series, however, was cut short due to the outbreak of World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. A new series of shooting thalers began mintage in 1984. The first coins issued in this new series were those minted for the festival at Oberhasli
Oberhasli
Oberhasli may refer to:* Oberhasli, a historical region in the Bernese Oberland in the canton of Berne, Switzerland* Oberhasli District, a former district* Oberhasli , a breed of goat named after the Bernese district...
. Every year since has seen the mintage of two coins, each bearing the same design, one struck in silver, the other in gold. The only exceptions are the issues of Zürich
Zürich
Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and the capital of the canton of Zurich. It is located in central Switzerland at the northwestern tip of Lake Zurich...
and Sion
Sion, Switzerland
Sion is the capital of the Swiss canton of Valais. it had a population of .Landmarks include the Basilique de Valère and Château de Tourbillon. Sion has an airfield for civilian and military use, which, because of its location in a valley, causes a reasonable amount of noise pollution. FC Sion...
in 1999, one of which was struck in copper–nickel
Cupronickel
Cupronickel or copper-nickel or "cupernickel" is an alloy of copper that contains nickel and strengthening elements, such as iron and manganese. Cupronickel is highly resistant to corrosion in seawater, because its electrode potential is adjusted to be neutral with regard to seawater...
, two in silver and two in gold. Until 1995, silver issues were denominated at fifty francs, while gold pieces were denominated at 1,000 francs. Later, gold issues were denominated at 500 francs, excepting only the Zürich issues of 1999.
History
The first shooting thalers were cantonal pieces, minted by the sovereign cantons of Switzerland. All of these pieces, as well as the 1855 SolothurnSolothurn
The city of Solothurn is the capital of the Canton of Solothurn in Switzerland. The city also comprises the only municipality of the district of the same name.-Pre-roman settlement:...
issue, were strictly legal tender. Nineteenth-century Confederation shooting thaler issues were minted to legal fineness, and were thus allowed to bear the denomination of five francs
Swiss franc
The franc is the currency and legal tender of Switzerland and Liechtenstein; it is also legal tender in the Italian exclave Campione d'Italia. Although not formally legal tender in the German exclave Büsingen , it is in wide daily use there...
. Beginning in 1865, Switzerland became a member of the Latin Monetary Union
Latin Monetary Union
The Latin Monetary Union was a 19th century attempt to unify several European currencies, at a time when most circulating coins were still made of gold and silver...
. Shooting thalers were not included in the mintages authorized by the Union. Therefore, these issues are commonly considered semi-medallic, though they could circulate due to their size and weight being the same as that of the regular five franc issues. This series of shooting thalers, following the standards of the Latin Monetary Union, began in 1855 with the Solothurn issue and ended in 1885 with the Bern issue. In 1927, the Monetary Union ceased to exist. Mintage began on a new series of shooting thalers in 1934 in honor of the shooting festival in Fribourg
Fribourg
Fribourg is the capital of the Swiss canton of Fribourg and the district of Sarine. It is located on both sides of the river Saane/Sarine, on the Swiss plateau, and is an important economic, administrative and educational center on the cultural border between German and French Switzerland...
. Another design was issued in 1939 for the Lucerne
Lucerne
Lucerne is a city in north-central Switzerland, in the German-speaking portion of that country. Lucerne is the capital of the Canton of Lucerne and the capital of the district of the same name. With a population of about 76,200 people, Lucerne is the most populous city in Central Switzerland, and...
festival. The 1934 issue was the last official shooting thaler that matched the circulating counterpart in both diameter and weight. The 1939 issues were not the same size and weight as their circulating counterparts. Both issues were redeemable only at the shooting festival or participating businesses. This series was cut short, however, due to the outbreak of World War II. In 1984, a new series of shooting thalers began mintage, due largely to the efforts of California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
-based coin dealer Richard Nelson. These issues, like those minted in 1939, are not minted to legal fineness and are not considered legal tender.
Chur
- Year: 1842
- Location: Chur
- Denomination: 4 francs
- Designer(s): Karl Friedrich Voigt
- Diameter: 40 mm (1.57 in)
- Coinage metal: Silver
- Mintage: 4,256
- Notes: White metal and zincZincZinc , or spelter , is a metallic chemical element; it has the symbol Zn and atomic number 30. It is the first element in group 12 of the periodic table. Zinc is, in some respects, chemically similar to magnesium, because its ion is of similar size and its only common oxidation state is +2...
pieces are known to have been struck. The zinc pieces were allegedly fixed in the center of a target during the shooting festival. If hit, the shooter would be given a larger award.Chur specifications Details Translation Obverse EIDGENÖSSISCHES FREISCHIESSEN IN CHUR – 1842 Federal Free Shoot in Chur – 1842 Reverse CANTON GRAUBÜNDEN – 4 SCHWEIZER FRANKEN Canton of Graubünden – 4 Swiss francs Edge EINTRACHT MACHT STARK Harmony is strength
Glarus
- Year: 1847
- Location: GlarusGlarusGlarus is the capital of the Canton of Glarus in Switzerland. Glarus municipality since 1 January 2011 incorporates the former municipalities of Ennenda, Netstal and Riedern....
- Denomination: 40 batzen
- Designer(s): S. Burger, Karl Friedrich Voigt
- Diameter: 40 mm (1.57 in)
- Coinage metal: Silver
- Mintage: 3,200
- Notes: 1,023 pieces melted. White metal and zinc pieces are known to have been struck. The zinc pieces were allegedly fixed in the center of a target during the shooting festival. If hit, the shooter would be given a larger award.
Glarus specifications Details Translation Obverse EIDGENÖSSISCHES FREYSCHIESSEN IN GLARUS – 1847 Federal Free Shoot in Glarus – 1847 Reverse 40 Btz. 40 batzen Edge EINTRACHT MACHT STARK Harmony is strength
Geneva
- Year: 1851
- Location: Geneva
- Denomination: 10 francs
- Designer(s): Antoine Bovy
- Diameter: 48 mm (1.89 in)
- Coinage metal: Silver
- Mintage: 1,000
- Notes: The design is identical to the regular 10 franc issues.
Geneva specifications Details Translation Obverse POST – TENEBRAS – LUX Post tenebras luxPost tenebras lux is a Latin phrase translated as Light After Darkness.It is Post tenebras spero lucem in the Vulgate version of Job 17:12...Light after darkness Reverse REPUBLIC ET CANTON DE GENEVE – 10 FRANCS 1851 Republic and Canton of Geneva – 10 francs 1851 Edge None None
Solothurn
- Year: 1855
- Location: Solothurn
- Denomination: 5 francs
- Designer(s): Antoine Bovy
- Diameter: 37 mm (1.46 in)
- Coinage metal: Silver
- Mintage: 3,000
- Notes: The design is identical to the regular 5 franc issues.
Solothurn specifications Inscription Translation Obverse HELVETIA HelvetiaHelvetia is the female national personification of Switzerland, officially Confœderatio Helvetica, the "Helvetic Confederation".The allegory is typically pictured in a flowing gown, with a spear and a shield emblazoned with the Swiss flag, and commonly with braided hair, commonly with a wreath as...Switzerland Reverse 5 Fr. 1855 5 francs 1855 Edge EIDGEN. FREISCHIESEN SOLOTHURN 1855 Federal free shoot Solothurn 1855
Bern
- Year: 1857
- Location: Bern
- Denomination: 5 francs
- Designer(s): Ferdinand Korn
- Diameter: 37 mm (1.46 in)
- Coinage metal: Silver
- Mintage: 5,191
- Notes: Examples are known to have been struck in white metal.
Bern specifications Inscription Translation Obverse EHRE IST MEIN HOECHSTES ZIEL Honor is my highest goal Reverse EIDGENÖSSISCHES FREISCHIESSEN IN BERN 1857 – 5 FRANKEN Federal free shoot in Bern 1857 – 5 francs Edge None None
Zürich
- Year: 1859
- Location: Zürich
- Denomination: 5 francs
- Designer(s): Ferdinand Korn
- Diameter: 37 mm (1.46 in)
- Coinage metal: Silver
- Mintage: 6,000
- Notes:
Zürich specifications Inscription Translation Obverse EIDGENÖSSISCHES FREISCHIESSEN – 1859 Federal free shoot – 1859 Reverse ZÜRICH – 5 FRANKEN Zürich – 5 francs Edge None None
Stans
- Year: 1861
- Location: StansStansStans is the capital of the canton of Nidwalden in Switzerland.-History:Stans is one of the oldest settlements in the entire Nidwalden valley. The first traces of human settlement date to the 2nd Century BC...
- Denomination: 5 francs
- Designer(s): Antoine Bovy, Lukas Ferdinand Schlöth
- Diameter: 37 mm (1.46 in)
- Coinage metal: Silver
- Mintage: 6,000
- Notes: EssaiPattern coinA pattern coin is a coin which has not been approved for release, produced for the purpose of evaluating a proposed coin design. They are often off-metal strikes, to proof standard or piedforts...
pieces are known to have been struck in white metal.Stans specifications Inscription Translation Obverse ARNOLD WINKELRIED Arnold von WinkelriedArnold von Winkelried or Arnold Winkelried is a legendary hero of Swiss history.According to 16th century Swiss historiography, Winkelried's sacrifice brought about the victory of the Old Swiss Confederacy in the Battle of Sempach against the army of the Habsburg Duke Leopold III of Austria.-The...Arnold Winkelried Reverse EIDGENÖSSISCHES SCHÜTZENFEST IN NIDWALDEN – 1861 Federal shooting festival in Nidwalden – 1861 Edge None None
La Chaux-de-Fonds
- Year: 1863
- Location: La Chaux-de-FondsLa Chaux-de-FondsLa Chaux-de-Fonds is a Swiss city of the district of La Chaux-de-Fonds in the canton of Neuchâtel. It is located in the Jura mountains at an altitude of 1000 m, a few kilometres from the French border. After Geneva and Lausanne, it is the third largest city of Romandie, the French-speaking part of...
- Denomination: 5 francs
- Designer(s): Antoine Bovy, Jacob Siber
- Diameter: 37 mm (1.46 in)
- Coinage metal: Silver
- Mintage: 6,000
- Notes: Examples are known to have been struck in white metal.
La Chaux-de-Fonds specifications Inscription Translation Obverse HELVETIA – 5 FRANCS Switzerland – 5 francs Reverse TIR FEDERAL A LA CHAUX-DE-FONDS – JÚILLET 1863 Federal shoot in La Chaux-de-Fonds – July 1863 Edge None None
Schaffhausen
- Year: 1865
- Location: SchaffhausenSchaffhausenSchaffhausen is a city in northern Switzerland and the capital of the canton of the same name; it has an estimated population of 34,587 ....
- Denomination: 5 francs
- Designer(s): Antoine Bovy
- Diameter: 37 mm (1.46 in)
- Coinage metal: Silver
- Mintage: 10,000
- Notes: Two examples are known to have been struck in gold.
Schaffhausen specifications Inscription Translation Obverse None None Reverse EIDGENÖSSISCHES SCHÜTZENFEST IN SCHAFFHAUSEN 1865 – 5 Fr. Federal shooting festival in Schaffhausen 1865 – 5 francs Edge None None
Schwyz
- Year: 1867
- Location: SchwyzSchwyzThe town of is the capital of the canton of Schwyz in Switzerland.The Federal Charter of 1291 or Bundesbrief, the charter that eventually led to the foundation of Switzerland, can be seen at the Bundesbriefmuseum.-History of the toponym:...
- Denomination: 5 francs
- Designer(s): Antoine Bovy
- Diameter: 37 mm (1.46 in)
- Coinage metal: Silver
- Mintage: 8,000
- Notes:
Schwyz specifications Inscription Translation Obverse KANTON SCHWYZ Canton of Schwyz Reverse EIDGENÖSSISCHES SCHÜTZENFEST IN SCHWYZ 1867 – 5 Fr. Federal shooting festival in Schwyz 1867 – 5 francs Edge None None
Zug
- Year: 1869
- Location: ZugZugZug , is a German-speaking city in Switzerland. The name ‘Zug’ originates from fishing vocabulary; in the Middle Ages it referred to the right to ‘pull up’ fishing nets and hence to the right to fish.The city of Zug is located in the Canton of Zug and is its capital...
- Denomination: 5 francs
- Designer(s): Antoine Bovy
- Diameter: 37 mm (1.46 in)
- Coinage metal: Silver
- Mintage: 6,000
- Notes: Four examples are known to have been struck in gold.
Zug specifications Inscription Translation Obverse HANS LANDWING RETTET DAS PANNER BEI ARBEDO Battle of ArbedoThe Battle of Arbedo was fought on June 30, 1422 between the Duchy of Milan and the Swiss Confederation.In 1419, Uri and Unterwalden bought the Bellinzona stronghold from the Sacco barons, but were unable to defend it adequately...
– 1422Hans Landwing saves the banner BannerA banner is a flag or other piece of cloth bearing a symbol, logo, slogan or other message. Banner-making is an ancient craft.The word derives from late Latin bandum, a cloth out of which a flag is made...
at Arbedo – 1422Reverse EIDGENÖSSISCHES SCHÜTZENFEST 1869 IN ZUG – 5 Fr. Federal shooting festival 1869 in Zug – 5 francs Edge None None
Zürich
- Year: 1872
- Location: Zürich
- Denomination: 5 francs
- Designer(s): Fritz Landry
- Diameter: 37 mm (1.46 in)
- Coinage metal: Silver
- Mintage: 10,000
- Notes: The obverse design was used on a shooting medal issued for the same festival.
Zürich specifications Inscription Translation Obverse FÜR FREIHEIT UND VATERLAND For freedom and the fatherland FatherlandFatherland is the nation of one's "fathers", "forefathers" or "patriarchs". It can be viewed as a nationalist concept, insofar as it relates to nations...Reverse EIDGENÖSSISCHES SCHÜTZENFEST IN ZÜRICH 1872 – 5 Fr. Federal shooting festival in Zürich 1872 – 5 francs Edge None None
St. Gallen
- Year: 1874
- Location: St. GallenSt. GallenSt. Gallen is the capital of the canton of St. Gallen in Switzerland. It evolved from the hermitage of Saint Gall, founded in the 7th century. Today, it is a large urban agglomeration and represents the center of eastern Switzerland. The town mainly relies on the service sector for its economic...
- Denomination: 5 francs
- Designer(s): Fritz Landry
- Diameter: 37 mm (1.46 in)
- Coinage metal: Silver
- Mintage: 15,000
- Notes:
St. Gallen specifications Inscription Translation Obverse 1474 A 1476 1474 to 1476 Reverse EIDGENÖSS. SCHÜTZENFEST IN ST. GALLEN – 1874 Federal shooting festival in St. Gallen – 1874 Edge None None
Lausanne
- Year: 1876
- Location: LausanneLausanneLausanne is a city in Romandy, the French-speaking part of Switzerland, and is the capital of the canton of Vaud. The seat of the district of Lausanne, the city is situated on the shores of Lake Geneva . It faces the French town of Évian-les-Bains, with the Jura mountains to its north-west...
- Denomination: 5 francs
- Designer(s): Edouard Durussel
- Diameter: 37 mm (1.46 in)
- Coinage metal: Silver
- Mintage: 20,000
- Notes: The reverse design was used on a shooting medal issued for the same festival.
Lausanne specifications Inscription Translation Obverse POUR ETRE FORTS SOYONS UNIS – 5 F Let us be strong and united – 5 francs Reverse TIR FÉDÉRAL DE 1876 LAUSANNE Federal shoot of 1876 Lausanne Edge None None
Basel
- Year: 1879
- Location: BaselBaselBasel or Basle In the national languages of Switzerland the city is also known as Bâle , Basilea and Basilea is Switzerland's third most populous city with about 166,000 inhabitants. Located where the Swiss, French and German borders meet, Basel also has suburbs in France and Germany...
- Denomination: 5 francs
- Designer(s): Edouard Durussel
- Diameter: 37 mm (1.46 in)
- Coinage metal: Silver
- Mintage: 30,000
- Notes: Two varieties exist. One variety depicts raysGlory (religion)Glory is used to denote the manifestation of God's presence in the Judeo-Christian religious tradition. God's glory is often associated with visible displays of light, e.g. thunderbolts, fire, brightness....
between the sword and leg, while the other does not. Examples are known to have been struck in white metal.Basel specifications Inscription Translation Obverse DAS SCHWERT ZUR HAND IM HERZEN GOTT SO WIRD D. SCHWEIZER NIE Z. SPOTT With sword in his hand and God in his heart, so will the Swiss never be disgraced Reverse EIDG. SCHÜTZENFEST IN BASEL 1879 – 5 Fr. Federal shooting festival in Basel 1879 – 5 francs Edge None None
Fribourg
- Year: 1881
- Location: FribourgFribourgFribourg is the capital of the Swiss canton of Fribourg and the district of Sarine. It is located on both sides of the river Saane/Sarine, on the Swiss plateau, and is an important economic, administrative and educational center on the cultural border between German and French Switzerland...
- Denomination: 5 francs
- Designer(s): Edouard Durussel
- Diameter: 37 mm (1.46 in)
- Coinage metal: Silver
- Mintage: 30,000
- Notes:
Fribourg specifications Inscription Translation Obverse ENTRÉE DE FRIBOURG & SOLEURE DANS LA CONFÉDÉRATION SUISSE – 1481 Entry of Fribourg and Solothurn into the Swiss Confederation – 1481 Reverse TIR FÉDÉRAL À FRIBOURG 1881 – 5 Fr Federal shoot in Fribourg 1881 – 5 francs Edge None None
Lugano
- Year: 1883
- Location: LuganoLuganoLugano is a city of inhabitants in the city proper and a total of over 145,000 people in the agglomeration/city region, in the south of Switzerland, in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino, which borders Italy...
- Denomination: 5 francs
- Designer(s): Edouard Durussel
- Diameter: 37 mm (1.46 in)
- Coinage metal: Silver
- Mintage: 30,000
- Notes:
Lugano specifications Inscription Translation Obverse LIBERTADE INERME É DE' TIRANNI AGEVOL PREDA – 5 Fr. Defenseless liberty is easy prey for tyrants – 5 francs Reverse TIRO FEDERALE IN LUGANO 1883 Federal shoot in Lugano 1883 Edge None None
Bern
- Year: 1885
- Location: Bern
- Denomination: 5 francs
- Designer(s): Edouard Durussel, Christian Bühler
- Diameter: 37 mm (1.46 in)
- Coinage metal: Silver
- Mintage: 25,000
- Notes: Examples are known to have been struck in white metal.
Bern specifications Inscription Translation Obverse DEM BUND ZUM SCHUTZ DEM FEIND ZUM TRUTZ The Federation to protect, the enemy to defy Reverse EIDGENÖSSISCHES SCHÜTZENFEST IN BERN 1885 – 5 Fr. Federal shooting festival in Bern 1885 – 5 francs Edge None None
20th- and 21st-century Swiss Confederation issues
| Location | Date | Denomination | Coinage metal | Mintage | KM number |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fribourg | 1934 | 5 francs | Silver | 40,650 | S18 |
| Fribourg | 1934 | 100 francs | Gold | 2,000 | S19 |
| Lucerne | 1939 | 5 francs | Silver | 40,000 | S20 |
| Lucerne | 1939 | 100 francs | Gold | 6,000 | S21 |
| Oberhasli | 1984 | 50 francs | Silver | 6,300 | S22 |
| Oberhasli | 1984 | 1,000 francs | Gold | 300 | S23 |
| Altdorf Altdorf, Switzerland Altdorf is the capital of the Swiss canton of Uri. The municipality covers an area of and is located at a height of above sea-level, to the right of the river Reuss.-Location:... |
1985 | 50 francs | Silver | 3,500 | S24 |
| Altdorf Altdorf, Switzerland Altdorf is the capital of the Swiss canton of Uri. The municipality covers an area of and is located at a height of above sea-level, to the right of the river Reuss.-Location:... |
1985 | 1,000 francs | Gold | 300 | S25 |
| Appenzell Appenzell Appenzell is a region and historical canton in the northeast of Switzerland, entirely surrounded by the Canton of St. Gallen.... |
1986 | 50 francs | Silver | 3,700 | S26 |
| Appenzell Appenzell Appenzell is a region and historical canton in the northeast of Switzerland, entirely surrounded by the Canton of St. Gallen.... |
1986 | 1,000 francs | Gold | 300 | S27 |
| Glarus | 1987 | 50 francs | Silver | 3,200 | S28 |
| Glarus | 1987 | 1,000 francs | Gold | 300 | S29 |
| Brugg Brugg Brugg or Brügg may refer to the following places:* In Switzerland:** Brugg, Aargau, in the Canton of Aargau*** FC Brugg, a Swiss football club, from the town of Brugg in Canton Aargau... |
1988 | 50 francs | Silver | 3,000 | S30 |
| Brugg Brugg Brugg or Brügg may refer to the following places:* In Switzerland:** Brugg, Aargau, in the Canton of Aargau*** FC Brugg, a Swiss football club, from the town of Brugg in Canton Aargau... |
1988 | 1,000 francs | Gold | 400 | S31 |
| Menzingen Menzingen Menzingen is a municipality in the canton of Zug in Switzerland.-Geography:Menzingen has an area, , of . Of this area, 62.5% is used for agricultural purposes, while 28.3% is forested... |
1989 | 50 francs | Silver | 2,200 | S32 |
| Menzingen Menzingen Menzingen is a municipality in the canton of Zug in Switzerland.-Geography:Menzingen has an area, , of . Of this area, 62.5% is used for agricultural purposes, while 28.3% is forested... |
1989 | 1,000 francs | Gold | 250 | S33 |
| Winterthur Winterthur Winterthur is a city in the canton of Zurich in northern Switzerland. It has the country's sixth largest population with an estimate of more than 100,000 people. In the local dialect and by its inhabitants, it is usually abbreviated to Winti... |
1990 | 50 francs | Silver | 5,000 | S34 |
| Winterthur Winterthur Winterthur is a city in the canton of Zurich in northern Switzerland. It has the country's sixth largest population with an estimate of more than 100,000 people. In the local dialect and by its inhabitants, it is usually abbreviated to Winti... |
1990 | 1,000 francs | Gold | 250 | S35 |
| Langenthal Langenthal, Switzerland Langenthal is a municipality in the district of Oberaargau in the canton of Bern in Switzerland. On 1 January 2010 the municipality of Untersteckholz merged into the Langenthal.... |
1991 | 50 francs | Silver | 4,000 | S38 |
| Langenthal Langenthal, Switzerland Langenthal is a municipality in the district of Oberaargau in the canton of Bern in Switzerland. On 1 January 2010 the municipality of Untersteckholz merged into the Langenthal.... |
1991 | 1,000 francs | Gold | 400 | S39 |
| Dielsdorf Dielsdorf Dielsdorf is a municipality, seat of the district of Dielsdorf in the canton of Zürich in Switzerland.-Geography:Dielsdorf has an area of . Of this area, 37% is used for agricultural purposes, while 30.2% is forested... |
1992 | 50 francs | Silver | 1,750 | S40 |
| Dielsdorf Dielsdorf Dielsdorf is a municipality, seat of the district of Dielsdorf in the canton of Zürich in Switzerland.-Geography:Dielsdorf has an area of . Of this area, 37% is used for agricultural purposes, while 30.2% is forested... |
1992 | 1,000 francs | Gold | 175 | S41 |
| Weinfelden Weinfelden Weinfelden is a municipality in the canton of Thurgau in Switzerland. It is the capital of the district of the same name.Weinfelden is an old town, which was known during Roman times as Quivelda .-History:... |
1993 | 50 francs | Silver | 2,200 | S42 |
| Weinfelden Weinfelden Weinfelden is a municipality in the canton of Thurgau in Switzerland. It is the capital of the district of the same name.Weinfelden is an old town, which was known during Roman times as Quivelda .-History:... |
1993 | 1,000 francs | Gold | 200 | S43 |
| Rorschach | 1994 | 50 francs | Silver | 2,200 | S44 |
| Rorscach | 1994 | 1,000 francs | Gold | 200 | S45 |
| Thun Thun Thun is a municipality in the administrative district of Thun in the canton of Bern in Switzerland with about 42,136 inhabitants , as of 1 January 2006.... |
1995 | 50 francs | Silver | 5,000 | S46 |
| Thun Thun Thun is a municipality in the administrative district of Thun in the canton of Bern in Switzerland with about 42,136 inhabitants , as of 1 January 2006.... |
1995 | 500 francs | Gold | 500 | S47 |
| Sempach Sempach Sempach is a municipality in the district of Sursee in the canton of Lucerne in Switzerland.-History:It has retained some traces of its medieval appearance, especially the main gateway, beneath a watch tower, and reached by a bridge over the old moat.About half an hour distant to the north-east, on... |
1996 | 50 francs | Silver | 1,500 | S48 |
| Sempach Sempach Sempach is a municipality in the district of Sursee in the canton of Lucerne in Switzerland.-History:It has retained some traces of its medieval appearance, especially the main gateway, beneath a watch tower, and reached by a bridge over the old moat.About half an hour distant to the north-east, on... |
1996 | 500 francs | Gold | 96 | S49 |
| Neuhausen am Rheinfall Neuhausen am Rheinfall Neuhausen am Rheinfall is a municipality in the canton of Schaffhausen in Switzerland.The little town is well known for the Rhine Falls, a tourist attraction and mainland Europe's largest waterfall.... |
1997 | 50 francs | Silver | 1,500 | S50 |
| Neuhausen am Rheinfall Neuhausen am Rheinfall Neuhausen am Rheinfall is a municipality in the canton of Schaffhausen in Switzerland.The little town is well known for the Rhine Falls, a tourist attraction and mainland Europe's largest waterfall.... |
1997 | 500 francs | Gold | 97 | S51 |
| Schwyz | 1998 | 50 francs | Silver | 1,500 | S52 |
| Schwyz | 1998 | 500 francs | Gold | 98 | S53 |
| Zürich | 1999 | 5 francs | Copper–Nickel | 2,000 | S54 |
| Zürich | 1999 | 20 francs | Silver | 10,000 | S55 |
| Sion | 1999 | 50 francs | Silver | 1,500 | S57 |
| Zürich | 1999 | 200 francs | Gold | 100 | S56 |
| Sion | 1999 | 500 francs | Gold | 99 | S58 |
| Bière Bière Bière is a municipality in the Swiss canton of Vaud, located in the district of Morges.-Geography:Bière has an area, , of . Of this area, or 38.3% is used for agricultural purposes, while or 51.4% is forested... |
2000 | 50 francs | Silver | 3,500 | S59 |
| Bière Bière Bière is a municipality in the Swiss canton of Vaud, located in the district of Morges.-Geography:Bière has an area, , of . Of this area, or 38.3% is used for agricultural purposes, while or 51.4% is forested... |
2000 | 500 francs | Gold | 300 | S60 |
| Altdorf Altdorf Altdorf may refer to: In Switzerland:*Altdorf, Switzerland, the capital of the canton of Uri , *Altdorf, Schaffhausen, a village in the canton of Schaffhausen ,... |
2001 | 50 francs | Silver | 1,500 | S61 |
| Altdorf Altdorf Altdorf may refer to: In Switzerland:*Altdorf, Switzerland, the capital of the canton of Uri , *Altdorf, Schaffhausen, a village in the canton of Schaffhausen ,... |
2001 | 500 francs | Gold | 150 | S62 |
| Zürich | 2002 | 50 francs | Silver | 1,500 | S63 |
| Zürich | 2002 | 500 francs | Gold | 150 | S64 |
| Liestal Liestal Liestal is the capital of the canton of Basel-Country in Switzerland, south of Basel.It is an industrial town with a cobbled-street Old Town.-History:... |
2003 | 50 francs | Silver | 1,500 | S65 |
| Liestal Liestal Liestal is the capital of the canton of Basel-Country in Switzerland, south of Basel.It is an industrial town with a cobbled-street Old Town.-History:... |
2003 | 500 francs | Gold | 150 | S66 |
| Fribourg | 2004 | 50 francs | Silver | 1,500 | S67 |
| Fribourg | 2004 | 500 francs | Gold | 150 | S68 |
| Brusio Brusio Brusio is a municipality in the district of Bernina in the canton of Graubünden in Switzerland.-History:Brusio is first mentioned in 1106 as Bruse. It was first mentioned as Brusio in 1212. Previously it was known as Romansh: Brüsch and .... |
2005 | 50 francs | Silver | 1,500 | S69 |
| Brusio Brusio Brusio is a municipality in the district of Bernina in the canton of Graubünden in Switzerland.-History:Brusio is first mentioned in 1106 as Bruse. It was first mentioned as Brusio in 1212. Previously it was known as Romansh: Brüsch and .... |
2005 | 500 francs | Gold | 150 | S70 |
| Solothurn | 2006 | 50 francs | Silver | 2,000 | S71 |
| Solothurn | 2006 | 500 francs | Gold | 200 | S72 |
| Lucerne | 2007 | 50 francs | Silver | 2,000 | S73 |
| Lucerne | 2007 | 500 francs | Gold | 200 | S74 |
| Geneva | 2008 | 50 francs | Silver | 1,500 | S75 |
| Geneva | 2008 | 500 francs | Gold | 150 | S76 |
| Obwalden Obwalden Obwalden is a canton of Switzerland. It is located in the centre of Switzerland. The population is 33,997 of which 4,043 are foreigners. Its capital is Sarnen. The canton contains the geographical centre of Switzerland.-History:... |
2009 | 50 francs | Silver | 1,500 | S77 |
| Obwalden Obwalden Obwalden is a canton of Switzerland. It is located in the centre of Switzerland. The population is 33,997 of which 4,043 are foreigners. Its capital is Sarnen. The canton contains the geographical centre of Switzerland.-History:... |
2009 | 500 francs | Gold | 175 | S78 |
| Aarau Aarau Aarau is the capital of the northern Swiss canton of Aargau. The city is also the capital of the district of Aarau. It is German-speaking and predominantly Protestant. Aarau is situated on the Swiss plateau, in the valley of the Aar, on the river's right bank, and at the southern foot of the Jura... |
2010 | 50 francs | Silver | 2,000 | S79 |
| Aarau Aarau Aarau is the capital of the northern Swiss canton of Aargau. The city is also the capital of the district of Aarau. It is German-speaking and predominantly Protestant. Aarau is situated on the Swiss plateau, in the valley of the Aar, on the river's right bank, and at the southern foot of the Jura... |
2010 | 500 francs | Gold | 200 | S80 |
Etymology
Though no coins denominated as thalers were officially issued within the Swiss Confederation, many coins measuring between 30 and 40 millimeters have been given the name unofficially due to the similarity in size to German and Austrian thalers.Shooting medals
The first shooting medalMedal
A medal, or medallion, is generally a circular object that has been sculpted, molded, cast, struck, stamped, or some way rendered with an insignia, portrait, or other artistic rendering. A medal may be awarded to a person or organization as a form of recognition for athletic, military, scientific,...
s were struck in honor of the Officers' Shoot held in Langenthal
Langenthal, Switzerland
Langenthal is a municipality in the district of Oberaargau in the canton of Bern in Switzerland. On 1 January 2010 the municipality of Untersteckholz merged into the Langenthal....
, Bern, in 1822. They can usually be distinguished from shooting thalers by their lack of denomination and difference in weight and often composition, though there is evidence that many of thaler-size did circulate amongst the legal tender coins of Switzerland. Shooting medals were minted in a variety of metals, including silver, bronze
Bronze
Bronze is a metal alloy consisting primarily of copper, usually with tin as the main additive. It is hard and brittle, and it was particularly significant in antiquity, so much so that the Bronze Age was named after the metal...
, goldene and white metal.
Other countries
Though not considered shooting thalers, some other EuropeanCulture of Europe
The culture of Europe might better be described as a series of overlapping cultures. Whether it is a question of North as opposed to South; West as opposed to East; Orthodoxism as opposed to Protestantism as opposed to Catholicism as opposed to Secularism; many have claimed to identify cultural...
coin-issuing entities have minted coins to honor or promote shooting festivals that took place within their territory, many of which actually carried the denomination of 1 thaler. Examples include the German States
States of Germany
Germany is made up of sixteen which are partly sovereign constituent states of the Federal Republic of Germany. Land literally translates as "country", and constitutionally speaking, they are constituent countries...
of Baden
Baden
Baden is a historical state on the east bank of the Rhine in the southwest of Germany, now the western part of the Baden-Württemberg of Germany....
, Bremen
Bremen
The City Municipality of Bremen is a Hanseatic city in northwestern Germany. A commercial and industrial city with a major port on the river Weser, Bremen is part of the Bremen-Oldenburg metropolitan area . Bremen is the second most populous city in North Germany and tenth in Germany.Bremen is...
, Frankfurt am Main and Hanover
Hanover
Hanover or Hannover, on the river Leine, is the capital of the federal state of Lower Saxony , Germany and was once by personal union the family seat of the Hanoverian Kings of Great Britain, under their title as the dukes of Brunswick-Lüneburg...
, as well as the Swiss canton of Vaud
Vaud
Vaud is one of the 26 cantons of Switzerland and is located in Romandy, the French-speaking southwestern part of the country. The capital is Lausanne. The name of the Canton in Switzerland's other languages are Vaud in Italian , Waadt in German , and Vad in Romansh.-History:Along the lakes,...
.
See also
- Swiss francSwiss francThe franc is the currency and legal tender of Switzerland and Liechtenstein; it is also legal tender in the Italian exclave Campione d'Italia. Although not formally legal tender in the German exclave Büsingen , it is in wide daily use there...
- Coins of the Swiss francCoins of the Swiss franc-History:The country's name is on all the coins as "Confoederatio Helvetica", the Latin name of the Swiss Confederation, or "Helvetia" specified. The oldest coins are still valid today; the 10-centime coins dating back to 1879. They are therefore among the oldest still valid coins worldwide. To...
– Currently minted Swiss coins. - 1804 dollar – The Class II 1804 Dollar was struck over an 1857 Bern shooting thaler.