Swiss 20 Rappen Nickel

This 20 Rappen coin, struck from 1968 to 1980, was composed of cupronickel, marking Switzerland's shift away from earlier nickel alloys amid rising metal costs and allergies.

That change reflected a broader numismatic trend, though the Swiss kept things straightforward with their typical efficiency. The obverse shows the denomination encircled by the inscription "CONFOEDERATIO HELVETICA," while the reverse bears the Swiss cross, a design element dating back to the 19th century. Mintage figures for specific years are spotty; records from the Bern mint weren't always meticulous.

Production peaked in the mid-1970s, likely due to inflation and higher circulation needs. It's a solid, unassuming piece, free of the embellishments that collectors sometimes invent. Swiss trains might run on time, but this coin just got the job done.