News in Brief

Swissmint Announces Major Changes

Swissmint has announced the launch of a new alloy for its silver coins alongside the rebranding of all new collector coins under the title and brand ‘Eidgenössische Sondermünzen’ (Swiss special coins).

The new alloys will comprise of .9999 fine silver instead of the previous .835, and the Mint has also announced the discontinuation of Christmas coins sets, folders and trial mintings.

The first coin to feature the new alloy – the Mani Matter CHF 20 silver coin – was released this week, in honour of Swiss singer-songwriter and lawyer Hans Peter ‘Mani’ Matter.

The launch of the new brand has been assisted with a new website and magazine, plus changes to the coin packaging. Swissmint has stated that ‘the word “Swiss” will be used to refer clearly to the origin’, aiming to create recognisable coins under the new brand that are distinct from other suppliers.