Switzerland: First-ever Festive Christmas Commemorative Silver Coin Features St Nicholas

The traditional St. Nicholas Day is just around the corner and in Switzerland, especially in the Canton of Fribourg, central Switzerland as well as in many towns and villages, this festival has a very special meaning. Also called the Feast of Saint Nicholas, it is observed on the 6th December in Western Christian countries and on the 19th December in Eastern Christian countries observing the old church Calendar. The day honours the feast day of Saint Nicholas of Myra and falls within the season of Advent. St Nicholas was born in the year 270 in the maritime city of Patara in Anatolia, an early Christian bishop of Greek descent and who died on the 6th December 343. Pope Eugene IV (reigned 1431 to 1447) canonised St. Nicholas on the 5th June 1446. St. Nicholas became a popular saint in Europe during the Renaissance and is known as the patron saint of children and sailors, merchants, archers, repentant thieves, brewers, pawnbrokers, toymakers, the unmarried and students in various countries around Europe. His reputation evolved among the pious, as was common for early Christian saints, and his legendary habit of secret gift-giving gave rise to the folklore of ‘Santa Claus’ through the tradition of Sinterklaas became prevalent in the Lowlands and Germanic countries. The festival is still marked with particular regard to Saint Nicholas' reputation as a bringer of gifts, as well as with the attendance of church services and is considered an integral part of the run-up to Christmas itself.

Whether on the cobbled streets of Fribourg or in the valleys of central Switzerland, the St. Nicholas Day celebrations bring the population together and in a celebratory mood. The children of the towns wait impatiently for the arrival of the patron saint, who is accompanied by his faithful helper known as ‘Knecht Rupert’ or Schmutzli.

Designed by artist Philipp Müller, the obverse side depicts a traditional image of Saint Nicholas shown in colour on the proof quality pieces together with a mitre and crosier, surrounded by landscapes that recall his history and influence in Swiss culture. The artist’s insignia of his intertwined initials PhM is placed just above the right shoulder of St Nicholas. The reverse of the coin shows Saint Nicholas from behind, accompanied by a child, walking hand in hand through a village. Encircling the primary design is the text CONFOEDERATIO + HELVETICA 2024 separated by the Swiss cross found on the country’s flag and national crest. Below the design is the denomination 20 FR along with the B mintmark denoting Berne and the coins’ silver fineness of 999. The coins include the raised edge inscription in Latin DOMINUS PROVIDEBIT (The Lord will provide) along with thirteen five-pointed stars.

The coins are scheduled for release on the 27^th November, in time for and in mind of dedicated coin collectors and investors for the Christmas holidays. The special coin ‘Saint Nicholas’ is the ideal gift symbolising generosity and tradition.

The BU coin is available encapsulated and presented in a blister pack style folder. The proof versions are encapsulated and presented in a custom case accompanied with a numbered certificate of authenticity. *From the proof total mintage of 6000, a limited number of 200 pieces are available with a signed certificate of authenticity from the designer of the coins. For additional information, please visit the e-webshop of the Swiss Mint’s Special Coins product page.