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.
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
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The government notably wants to improve integration into the labour force, particularly for people with protection status S.
Various leaders confirm participation at Ukraine peace conference
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The presidents of Poland, Finland, and Latvia and the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium will be at the Swiss-hosted talks in mid-June.
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In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
Rhine flooding: Swiss to invest CHF1 billion with Austria
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As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
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After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
Swiss study: insects mainly migrate at midday and dusk
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A study led by the Swiss Ornithological Institute in canton Lucerne is helping to better understand the movement patterns of migratory insects.
Red Cross: 22 staff killed in Middle East since October
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The Red Cross and Red Crescent network in Gaza and Israel has lost 22 staff members since last October, the Swiss Red Cross (SRC) said on Wednesday.
Dortmund’s Kobel is first Swiss goalie in Champions League final
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Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel has achieved history by becoming the first Swiss goalkeeper to reach a Champion’s League final.
University students in Switzerland join Gaza protest wave
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Pro-Palestinian activists occupied university buildings in Lausanne, Geneva and Zurich on Tuesday, widening the protest movement in the Alpine nation.
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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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If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.