Swiss 5 Francs 1900 Paris Expo

The 1900 Swiss commemorative for the Paris Exposition was one of the few coins from that era struck specifically to showcase Swiss watchmaking and precision engineering at an international fair.

This 5-franc piece, minted in Bern, features a detailed Swiss cross on the obverse and allegorical figures on the reverse, all on a gold or silver planchet depending on the variant. Mintage figures are murky; official records from the Swiss Federal Mint for that year were incomplete, possibly due to administrative oversights. What we do know is that it circulated as legal tender, which was unusual for such pieces and helped fund Switzerland's expo pavilion.

Production involved recycled metal from older coins, a practical choice in an age when waste wasn't yet a concern. I've seen plenty of fakes over the years, so buyers should check for the telltale edge lettering. As for myths, no, it wasn't cursed or blessed—it's just metal and history.

Some collectors note its edge is as sharp as Swiss cheese isn't.