Switzerland Commemorates 200th Anniversary of Shooting Federation with Gold Coin
Switzerland has released a special gold coin to honor the 200th anniversary of the Swiss Shooting Sport Federation (SSV). The Federal Mint Swissmint unveiled the Proof .900 fine gold 50-francs coin in celebration of this historic milestone. This follows the earlier release of a 2023 silver coin with a similar theme.
Historic Significance of the Swiss Shooting Sport Federation
The SSV, one of the oldest sports federations in Switzerland, was founded during the initial federal shooting festival held in Aarau in 1824. Originally known as the “Swiss Shooting Association,” the SSV has grown over the years to include approximately 130,000 members and 2,600 shooting clubs, making it the fifth-largest sports federation in Switzerland.
Coin Design and Features
Designed by Vito Noto of Lugano, Switzerland, the gold coin showcases a target on the obverse side. The reverse side displays the coat of arms of the Swiss shooting thaler, originally minted in 1842 to commemorate the shooting festival in Chur. Additionally, the coin bears a face value of 50 Swiss francs.
Specifications and Availability
Weighing 11.29 grams and measuring 25 millimeters in diameter, the commemorative coin has a limited mintage of 5,000 pieces. Each coin comes in a presentation case, with 4,800 pieces available individually priced at 799 Swiss francs (approximately $947 U.S.) and the remaining 200 pieces, accompanied by a numbered artists’ certificate, priced at 829 Swiss francs ($982 U.S.) each. The coin went on sale at the festival and via the Swissmint’s webshop, with the artist’s certificate versions already sold out at press time as of Aug. 27.
By honoring the 200-year legacy of the Swiss Shooting Sport Federation with this special coin, Switzerland not only celebrates its rich shooting tradition but also pays tribute to the historical significance of the federation in the nation’s sports landscape.
