It is the most important Swiss coin ever minted, said the Numismatica Genevensis society, which specialises in rare coins. The auction on Monday started at CHF600,000, it said. The extremely rare coin was acquired by a bidder who wished to remain anonymous.
One side of the coin shows the city of Basel from the southeast, with the Rhine bridge and two small boats. Above this on the edge of the coin are the eight shields of the municipalities of Ramstein, Liestal, Waldenburg, Farnsburg, Homburg, Münchenstein, Pratteln and Riehen, as well as the lettering “BASILEA”.
The mythical basilisk, the symbol of royal power, is engraved on the reverse of the coin. The mythical creature, which resembles a lizard or a dragon, is depicted with outstretched wings and clutches the coat of arms of the city on the Rhine with its left paw.
Train vs plane: would you take a direct train between London and Geneva?
Eurostar is planning to run direct trains from Britain to Germany and Switzerland from the early 2030s. Would you favour the train over the plane? If not, why not?
Switzerland wants to examine cooperation with the EU in the defence sector
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The Federal Council wants to examine a security and defence partnership with the EU. Exploratory talks are to begin as soon as possible. Among other things, the partnership would be used for defence procurement.
Swiss trial shows organic farming is 85% as productive as conventional agriculture
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This is shown by the results of a globally unique open-air trial that has been running for 47 years in Therwil in the canton of Basel-Landschaft.
Nestlé fined by Swiss canton for illegally filtered water
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Nestlé has been fined CHF 500,000 in the canton of Vaud for the unauthorised use of activated carbon filters in the production of mineral water. The filters were used to produce Henniez water from 2008 to 2022.
Swiss government proposes restrictions on Ukrainian refugees
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Only those whose life and limb are at risk in Ukraine and who flee to Switzerland are to be granted S status in future. The remaining Ukrainian refugees should apply for asylum. This is what the Federal Council is proposing.
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The Fribourg parliament approved a sum of CHF6.4 million to renovate the ramparts, the walkway and the towers, as well as to replace the exterior lighting.
Swiss rental housing listings increase for the first time in three years
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For the first time in three years, the number of advertisements for rental accommodation is on the rise, but this does not dampen demand, quite the contrary. In Ticino, the average duration of an advertisement published on the main portals is 30 days.
Switzerland doing relatively well when it comes to child vaccination rates
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Progress in child immunisation has stalled. For decades, the number of children vaccinated against measles, polio and other diseases has risen. But since 2010, vaccination rates have stagnated in many countries, according to a study.
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Swiss coins set world records for size and antiquity
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Switzerland holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s smallest commemorative coin and oldest unaltered coin still in circulation.
Special Swiss coin to mark 50 years of women’s suffrage
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This year marks 50 years since women gained the right to vote in Switzerland. The event is to be commemorated with a special gold coin.
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