The quarter-franc gold coin issued by the Federal Mint has been recognised by the Guinness World Records as the world’s smallest commemorative coin, Swissmint said on TuesdayExternal link.
The machine-minted gold coin, issued last year, has a diameter of only 2.96mm and weighs 0.063g. Based on these dimensions, Guinness World Records recognised it as the world’s smallest commemorative coin.
“For the obverse, we drew our inspiration from Albert Einstein’s determination and patience. It features the famous image of Albert Einstein sticking out his tongue, along with the year 2020,” Swissmint said. “The reverse shows the nominal value of ¼ franc together with the inscription ‘HELVETIA’ and the Swiss cross.”
The images can’t be discerned with the naked eye, so Swissmint designed special packaging with magnifying lenses and a light. Only 999 examples of the coin were produced, and it quickly sold out.
Over 140 years old
In addition, the Swiss ten-centime coin has been named the oldest coin still in circulation. Both sides of the ten-centime coin have remained the same – apart from the changing date – since 1879.
In 1853, five years after the Federal Constitution was introduced, the first Swiss coins were minted in the Federal Mint in Bern.
The first ten-centime coins bore the image of a Swiss cross on a shield in front of oak leaves, with the inscription “HELVETIA”. It wasn’t until 1879 that the motif was replaced with a woman’s head in profile, looking to the right and bearing a diadem, and the inscriptions “LIBERTAS” and the transcription “CONFOEDERATIO HELVETICA”.
The image was designed by Karl Schwenzer and is still used unaltered on the ten-centime coin. What’s more, the ten-centime coins minted in 1879 are still legal tender. They have thus been in use for over 140 years.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
This content was published on
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
This content was published on
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.
This content was published on
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
This content was published on
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
This content was published on
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
This content was published on
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
This content was published on
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.
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.
Read more
More
Special Swiss coin to mark 50 years of women’s suffrage
This content was published on
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.
Swiss coins commemorate Roger Federer and Albert Einstein
This content was published on
Another 37,000 coins featuring tennis star Roger Federer – the first living person to receive that honor – went on sale on Thursday, according to Swissmint. Also up for grabs is the “smallest gold coin in the world” inspired by Albert Einstein and a bimetallic coin featuring the European hare.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
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.