Swiss 1961 Federal Coin

The 1961 Swiss Federal Coin was struck in 900 fine gold, a purity level that reflected Switzerland's cautious approach to bullion during the Cold War era.

This commemorative piece, valued at 100 francs, emerged from the Bern mint as part of a series honoring national milestones, though the exact event it marked remains unclear in historical records. We know it weighed 20 grams and featured the Swiss cross on the obverse, but mintage figures were likely modest, as with many Swiss issues of the time—exact numbers may have been lost in administrative shifts.

The design, simple and functional, included a federal shield on the reverse, emphasizing unity over ornamentation. Not every coin from that year survived; some ended up in circulation, others in vaults.

If you're handling one, note the reeded edge—it's there to foil counterfeiters, not for decoration.