Swiss 2 Francs Silver

The Swiss 2 Francs silver coin stubbornly held onto its .835 fine silver composition long after most European nations had abandoned it, right up until 1967. That persistence reflected Switzerland's unyielding financial conservatism, even as wars and depressions raged around them.

These coins were struck at the Bern mint, featuring a simple obverse with a Swiss cross and the federal shield, surrounded by the inscription "HELVETIA." Designs varied slightly over the years—some years saw a wreath, others a more austere look—but the core elements stayed put. We don't have exact mintage figures for every year; records from the early decades are spotty, likely lost in bureaucratic shuffles.

If you're handling one, note the edge reeding, which helped deter clipping in an era when silver was still king. It's a solid piece, no nonsense.