50 years of Swiss women’s right to vote: 50-franc gold coin

Women's efforts to achieve equal political rights date back to the 19th century. After a long battle, women's suffrage (the right to vote and take part in elections) was finally introduced in Switzerland by a national vote on 7 February 1971 and formally took effect on 16 March 1971. Fifty years ago, the electorate voted to give women the right to vote and take part in elections at federal level, with a clear majority of 66%. In the subsequent National Council elections in October 1971, eleven women were elected. Over the years that followed, the proportion of women in the National Council grew steadily, and currently stands at 42%.

On 7 February 2021, the introduction of women's suffrage at federal level had its 50th anniversary. Swissmint is commemorating this important milestone in Swiss political history with a 50-franc gold coin, created by Karin Widmer, graphic designer from Wabern near Bern.

Illusion – The Bridge of Life: 20-franc silver coin

The world of illusion is the artistic representation of impossible objects, optical illusions and double images. Various painters and artists use these optical techniques (trompe l'oeil) to create unusual and surprising effects for the observer in a bid to evoke amazement and astonishment.

The Swiss artist Sandro Del-Prete from Hettiswil near Hindelbank is an important representative of drawings and objects involving optical illusions. The design on the 20-franc silver coin was based on his oil painting "The Bridge of Life". Describing this work, he said: "The people are perpetually moving forward, towards the observer, and are never seen from behind. They are always heading towards the end of life. As no one gets younger as time passes, no one can be seen from behind either. This contains and illustrates one of the secrets of the universe: Where is the past? Where is the present? Where is the future?"

The two new commemorative coins are available from 29 April 2021 as limited editions at www.swissmintshop.admin.ch, as well from some coin dealers and banks.

Quality descriptions for coins

Uncirculated: minted in normal machine production, presented in a blister pack.

Folder: uncirculated coin presented in a smart, colour illustrated card folder with additional pictures and information in four languages on the coin subject and the artist.

Proof: highest minting quality, individual production, the coin die is used only around 500 times, coin planchets are polished and surface-treated in an elaborate process. Coins are individually packed in coin capsules, and sold in a presentation case complete with numbered certificate of authenticity.

The Federal Mint Swissmint

The Federal Mint Swissmint produces the country's coins for use in everyday payment transactions. It also regularly issues commemorative coins and coinage of a higher standard for the numismatic market. Commemorative coins in bimetal, silver or gold bear an official, state-guaranteed, nominal value and are available in various minting qualities.

Two new commemorative coins issued: "50 years of Swiss women’s right to vote" and "Illusion – The Bridge of Life"