Press Release
1st February 2008
New Swiss commemorative coins
at the World Money Fair 2008, Berlin
To celebrate the centenary of ice hockey, the Federal Mint Swissmint is issuing a silver coin. At the same time the "Swiss National Park" series continues with the motif of the golden eagle. These commemorative coins appeared on 18thJanuary 2008. The last coins of the 2008 Edition, a silver coin of the new series "Swiss mountain railways" with the motif of the Rigi railways and a gold coin to celebrate the "International Year of the Plant Earth" will appear in June.
Commemorative coin to celebrate "Ice hockey centenary"
On the occasion of the centenaries of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) and the Swiss Ice Hockey Association (SIHA) in 2008, Federal Councillor Hans-Rudolf Merz presented the presidents of the two associations with the official Swiss "Ice hockey centenary" commemorative coin. The presentation took place at the headquarters of the IIHF where the upcoming centenary year was celebrated during an official ceremony.
The "Ice hockey centenary" silver coin has a face value of 20Swiss francs and is available in minting qualities "uncirculated" and "proof" in a presentation case. The coin was designed by Bern graphic designer Roland Hirter, who represents the essential features of ice hockey on the coin – tackling, strength, dynamic force and team spirit.
Eagle as emblematic animal
The Federal Mint Swissmint continues its four-part "Swiss National Park" series of commemorative coins. Last year, the series started with the motif of the ibex. The red deer and the marmot will follow in 2009 and 2010.
The designer of the"Golden Eagle" commemorative coin is scientific illustrator Niklaus Heeb. He shows the bird of prey just coming in to land – a dynamic and vigorous pose that is rarely seen in pictures. The bimetallic coin made of aluminium-bronze and copper-nickel has a face value of 10Swiss francs and is available in minting qualities "uncirculated" and "proof" in a presentation case. The new commemorative coin also supplements the Swiss coin sets for 2008 (legal tender).
Other commemorative coins in 2008
In June 2008, Swissmint will start a new commemorative coin series on the subject of "Swiss mountain railways". The series will include the most important technical pioneering achievements and tourist attractions. It starts with Europe's first mountain railway which brought guests on day outings to the Rigi starting in 1871.
The United Nations General Assembly declared 2008 the "International Year of the Planet Earth". In June 2008, Swissmint is issuing a gold coin dedicated to this topic.
The new commemorative coins and 2008 coin sets (date of issue 18th January 2008) can be purchased directly at the World Money Fair in Berlin. They are also available on-line at www.swissmint.ch or from coin dealers and banks. The proceeds from the sale will go to promote cultural projects throughout Switzerland.
Text and photo material
This press release and photo material will be available for download at: http://www.swissmint.ch/en-latestnews-mediainformation-pressreleases.html
Information: / Kurt Rohrer, General Manager SwissmintBernastrasse 28, 3003 Bern
Tel. +41 31 322 64 85
Fax +41 31 322 60 07
www.swissmint.ch
You will find further information on current press releases on our website: www.swissmint.ch
Silver coin "Ice hockey centenary"
Effigy / "Ice hockey centenary"Artist / Roland Hirter, Bern
Technical data / Alloy: Silver 0.835
Weight: 20 g
Diameter: 33 mm
Legal face value / 20 Swiss francs
Date of issue / 18th January 2008
Mintage / Standard coinage, uncirculated: max. 50,000 coins
Proof coin in presentation case: max. 7,000 coins
Recommended retail prices / Standard coinage: CHF 20.-
Proof: CHF 55.-
Sale / Coin dealers, banks and online at www.swissmint.ch
Coined and issued by / Federal Mint Swissmint
CH-3003 Bern
www.swissmint.ch
Bimetallic coin "Golden Eagle"
Series: Swiss National Park
Effigy / "Golden Eagle"Artist / Niklaus Heeb, Rodersdorf
Technical data / Alloy: Outer ring made of aluminium-bronze, the core is made of copper-nickel
Weight: 15 g
Diameter: 33 mm
Legal face value / 10 Swiss francs
Date of issue / 18th January 2008
Mintage / Standard coinage, uncirculated: max. 95,000 coins
Proof coin in presentation case: max. 12,000 coins
Recommended retail prices / Standard coinage: CHF 10.-
Proof: CHF 30.-
Sale / Coin dealers, banks and online at www.swissmint.ch
Coined and issued by / Federal Mint Swissmint
CH-3003 Bern
www.swissmint.ch
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