Basic Data:

• Country ISO Code: CH

• Official Language: German

• Language ISO Code: de

• Current Official Currency: Swiss Franc

• Current Currency ISO Code: CHF

Complete Financial History of the Swiss Franc (Schweizer Franken):

Current Official Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)

• Currency ISO Code: CHF

• Designs / Symbols: Coins feature the Swiss coat of arms, the Swiss cross, and alpine motifs; banknotes depict cultural, scientific, and historical Swiss figures, along with signatures of the President and Vice President of the Swiss National Bank. Common symbols include "Fr.", "SFr.", and "CHF".

• Singular Name: Franc

• Plural Name: Francs

• Monetary Subdivision: 1 franc = 100 rappen

• Fraction Name Singular: Rappen

• Fraction Name Plural: Rappen

• Initial Production Date: 1850

• End Production Date: still in circulation

• Initial Circulation Date: 1850

• End Circulation Date: still in circulation

• Mint: Swissmint (Swiss Mint), Bern

• Issuing Bank: Swiss National Bank (Schweizerische Nationalbank)

• Coin Denominations Currently Minted: 5, 10, 20 rappen; ½, 1, 2, and 5 francs

• Banknote Denominations Currently Issued: 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 1,000 francs

Historical and Economic Context:

• Prior to 1850, Switzerland had a wide variety of local and foreign coins in circulation, with over 800 different types causing monetary confusion.

• The 1848 Federal Constitution centralized the right to issue currency, and the 1850 Federal Coinage Act established the Swiss franc as the official currency, unifying the monetary system.

• The first coins were initially minted in Paris, Strasbourg, and Brussels before the Swiss Mint in Bern began production in 1853.

• From 1865 to 1927, Switzerland was part of the Latin Monetary Union, allowing gold and silver coins from France, Belgium, Italy, Greece, and Switzerland to circulate interchangeably.

• The franc was pegged to gold until 1936, when it was devalued by about 30% due to the global economic crisis.

• The Swiss National Bank was founded in 1907, taking over note issuance and monetary policy, strengthening currency stability.

• After World War II, the franc was pegged to the US dollar until the Bretton Woods system ended in 1973, after which it floated freely.

• The Swiss franc is globally recognized as a stable and “safe haven” currency during political and economic instability.

Mints and Production Locations:

• Swissmint in Bern is the central mint.

• Early coins were minted in Paris (mint mark A), Strasbourg (AB, BB), and Brussels (B).

Designs of Coins and Banknotes:

• Coins feature the Swiss cross, Helvetia, alpine motifs, and the Swiss coat of arms.

• Banknotes depict prominent Swiss personalities, cultural and scientific symbols, and bear official signatures of the Swiss National Bank’s president and vice president.

Print Runs, Quantities, Honorees, and Seals:

• Swissmint regularly issues circulation and commemorative coins honoring national events, personalities, and cultural heritage.

• Banknotes are issued in series with official signatures.

Curiosities and Commemorative Coins:

• Commemorative gold and silver coins are minted for anniversaries and special occasions.

• The Swiss franc is also the official currency of the Principality of Liechtenstein.

Current Circulation Status:

• The Swiss franc has been the official currency of Switzerland since 1850 and remains in continuous circulation.

Issuing Authority:

• The Swiss National Bank is the sole official issuer of banknotes and responsible for monetary policy.

Relevant Monetary Legislation:

• Federal Coinage Act of May 7, 1850, establishing the Swiss franc as the official currency.

• 1848 Federal Constitution assigning exclusive currency issuance rights to the federal government.

Names and Positions of Banknote Signatories:

• Banknotes bear signatures of the President and Vice President of the Swiss National Bank.

Persons Honored on Coins and Banknotes:

• Banknotes and coins honor notable Swiss figures from culture, science, and history, such as writers, artists, and scientists.

Summary of Coins and Banknotes Currently in Circulation:

This report provides a comprehensive overview of the Swiss franc’s history, highlighting its origin, evolution, economic stability, minting, and current status as Switzerland’s official currency.