2025 Swiss Gold Vreneli
The Swiss Federal Mint recently unveiled a stunning new gold coin that pays tribute to one of the most iconic pieces in Swiss numismatics: the Vreneli. The commemorative 2025 Swiss Gold Vreneli coin marks a centennial anniversary of the original 1925 release of the 100-franc gold coin, widely regarded as Switzerland’s most beautiful coin. With a rich history dating back to the late 19th century, the Vreneli design has become a symbol of Swiss heritage, capturing the essence of the country’s values and national identity.
The Vreneli coin’s origins trace back to a design competition launched by the Swiss Federal Department of Finance in 1895. The objective was to create a coin that symbolized Switzerland in a quintessentially nationalistic way, representing the ideals of Helvetia, the personification of Switzerland. The competition was won by the French-Swiss artist Fritz Ulysse Landry, whose design featured a profile of a young woman, symbolizing the Swiss national spirit, crowned with a garland of edelweiss, a native Swiss flower. The image was set against a mountainous backdrop, further reinforcing Switzerland’s rich natural landscape.
The reverse of the original coin was just as symbolic, featuring the coat of arms of Switzerland — a broad cross at the centre of a shield, flanked by oak branches and acorns, with the denomination of “20 FR” (for francs) on either side. Released first in 1897, the Vreneli coin quickly became a mainstay of Swiss coinage, and the design was minted almost continuously until the onset of World War I, later being intermittently issued until 1935. Over time, these coins became beloved by Swiss citizens, earning the affectionate nickname “Vreneli,” a diminutive term derived from the Swiss German name Verena, often used to refer to young girls. This nickname has stuck, and even today, the coin is widely recognized as the Vreneli.
The Vreneli’s status as a national treasure was solidified with the 1925 release of a limited edition 100-franc gold coin, which featured a refined version of the original design. With only 5,000 coins minted and only a small number surviving in pristine condition, this release remains one of the most sought-after Swiss coins. The reverse of this special 100-franc coin deviated slightly from its predecessors, incorporating rays behind the Swiss cross and featuring a delicate Alpenrose branch below.
The Vreneli coin continued to be produced in various denominations, including a 10-franc version from 1911 to 1916. However, after 1935, the coins ceased being minted for circulation. Despite this, the coins were never officially demonetized, and their intrinsic value remained tied to their gold content. Over the decades, the Vreneli has become a symbol of both Switzerland’s cultural heritage and its tradition of high-quality minting.
To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 1925 release, the Swiss Federal Mint is now issuing a limited-edition 2025 gold Vreneli. These new coins, out of 90% pure gold, weigh 32.25 grams, measure 35 mm in diameter and have an official face value of 100 Swiss Francs. Their design resembles the classic Vreneli design in parts yet brings a fresh yet nostalgic take on a piece of Swiss history.
the design of the 2025 Swiss Gold Vreneli retains references to the original design of the coins
The new 2025 Swiss Gold Vreneli coin continues the legacy of quality and precision Swiss minting is known for. With its limited mintage of only 2.500 proof coins, the 2025 release is expected to be highly coveted by both collectors and investors. The coin’s aesthetic appeal, combined with its deep historical significance, ensures that it will be a prized addition to any collection. Given the limited number of coins being issued, the 2025 Vreneli is expected to command high premiums on the secondary market, much like the original 100-franc gold coin from 1925.
The 2025 Vreneli is not just a coin but a piece of Swiss history. It represents the country’s proud tradition of numismatics, craftsmanship, and cultural identity. For collectors, the coin provides an opportunity to own a beautiful piece of Swiss heritage that connects the past with the present. The Vreneli has long stood as a symbol of Swiss beauty, strength, and independence, and this new commemorative issue ensures that the legacy of the Vreneli will endure for generations to come.
As collectors and investors alike eagerly await the official release of the 2025 Vreneli coin on July 1st 2025, starting at 9 am local time, there is little doubt that this commemorative piece will continue to inspire admiration and appreciation for the timeless allure of Swiss coinage. The coins will then exclusively go on sale online at the Swiss Mint online shop and can be expected to sell out fast.
