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On September 18, the Swiss Mint will issue a new coin titled "Swiss Aviation Pioneers." The design depicts the beginnings of the first Swiss hot air balloons that conquered the skies. This new issue will be the first in a series of three silver coins.
The Swiss aeronautical tradition
Aviation in Switzerland had its origins in the late 19th century, when early aeronautical pioneers began experimenting with balloon flight and dirigibles. In 1897, the Federal Council decided to create a Swiss Airship Company, at a time when several European powers had already incorporated these aircraft into their militaries. Previously, visionary figures such as Eduard Spelterini—considered the great pioneer of balloon flight in Switzerland—had made spectacular flights over the Alps and other European mountain ranges, capturing unprecedented aerial images. Similarly, Auguste and Jean Piccard, renowned scientists and adventurers, made stratospheric balloon ascents that not only marked milestones in aeronautics but also contributed valuable data to scientific research on the atmosphere.
The Swiss military soon recognized the potential of aeronautics, incorporating observation balloons for surveillance and training purposes. However, with the outbreak of the First World War and the rapid development of military aviation, balloons began to lose relevance in the face of airplanes, which offered greater mobility and operational capability. Even so, during the first decades of the 20th century, hot air balloons continued to be used in Switzerland for both scientific and sporting purposes, forming part of the country's aeronautical tradition.
In 1937, the Army Balloon Corps was finally disbanded, marking the end of an era. However, the culture of ballooning continued in the civilian sphere, with events and competitions that kept the memory of the early pioneers alive. Since then, Switzerland has established itself as a country with a long aeronautical tradition, not only in the military field but also in scientific research, civil aviation, and air sports.
The obverse of the coin features hot air balloons of various shapes and baskets, symbols of the technical advancements of the time. These representations evoke not only technological progress but also the passion and visionary spirit of the Swiss aviation pioneers. The balloons soar above the Saanenland landscape, framed by the Swiss mountains of Gummfluh, La Videmanette, and Rüeblihorn. Also featured in the upper left corner is the German inscription "Pioniere der Schweizer Luftfahrt" (Pioneers of Swiss Aviation).
On the reverse of the coin, we see a moving propeller blade in the center, adorning the composition, representing technological advances. Surrounding the central image is the inscription "CONFOEDERATIO HELVETICA" (Swiss Confederation), the year of issue "2025," the face value of 20 francs, and the mint mark "B" (Bern).
Technical characteristics
Country: Swiss
Year: 2025
Face value: 20 francs
Metal: Silver
Purity: 999
Weight: 20 g
Diameter: 33 mm
Quality and circulation: 7,500 SC / 3,500 Proof
Issue date: September 18, 2025
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