Zug Taler

The Zug Taler stands out for its depiction of the canton's coat of arms, often including a fish symbolizing local legends, which made it a subtle nod to Zug's identity amid Switzerland's patchwork of autonomous regions.

These silver coins, struck between 1700 and 1798, varied in weight and design depending on the year and mint. Most were produced on planchets of about 90% fine silver, recycled from older European currency to cope with shortages. That practicality kept the economy ticking in a canton more focused on mountains than mines.

We don't know exact mintage figures for many years; records were spotty even then. What I can say is that variations exist, from the earlier pieces with ornate edges to later ones simplified by wartime needs.

After handling these for decades, the myth that they were cursed by alpine spirits wears thin. They were just coins.