Switzerland was a founding member of the Latin Monetary Union (LMU) in 1865. This agreement ensured that Swiss Francs were struck to the same weight and purity standards as the coins of France, Belgium, and Italy. For over a century, these silver coins circulated freely and facilitated seamless trade across the European continent.
Remarkably, Switzerland was the last European nation to remove silver from its general circulation. While most countries switched to base metals post-WWII, the Swiss continued to mint silver 1/2, 1, and 2 Franc coins until 1967. This commitment to precious metal currency makes Swiss silver a reliable and prestigious target for modern stackers.
| Coin Type | Purity | Years | ASW (oz) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Francs (Heavy / William Tell) | 90.0% | 1850-1928 | 0.7234 |
| 5 Francs (Light / William Tell) | 83.5% | 1931-1969 | 0.4027 |
| 2 Francs (Helvetia) | 83.5% | 1874-1967 | 0.2685 |
| 1 Franc (Helvetia) | 83.5% | 1875-1967 | 0.1342 |
| 1/2 Franc (Helvetia) | 83.5% | 1875-1967 | 0.0671 |
