Swissmint to Release Centennial 100-Franc Gold Vreneli Coin
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Get ready, coin collectors! Swissmint, the Swiss mint, is set to unveil a highly anticipated commemorative coin: a new 100-franc gold Vreneli, marking the 100th anniversary of the original coin’s release. The details remain shrouded in secrecy until its official reveal at the World Money fair in Berlin on January 30,2025.
“The veil will not be lifted until January 30, 2025 in Berlin at the World Money Fair,” a Swissmint representative stated. at this event, the world’s largest coin fair, Swissmint will finaly reveal the design, size, mintage, and price of this coveted collectible.
While the official release date is July 1st, 2025, the anticipation is already building. The original 100-franc gold Vreneli, minted in 1925, quickly transitioned from currency to a highly sought-after collector’s item. Its gold value surpassed its face value, driving up its market price considerably. “Well-preserved coins are now traded for well over 20,000 francs,” according to market analysts.
A Rare and Valuable Coin
Only 5,000 of the original 100-franc gold Vreneli coins where minted in 1925. Swissmint estimates that approximately a quarter were melted down, leaving an estimated 3,750 in circulation. Adding to its rarity,354 never left the mint,and the Swiss National Bank may hold additional pieces in reserve. While the exact number held by the Swiss National Bank remains undisclosed, they confirmed holding a total of 39 tons of gold coins.
More Then Just the Vreneli: Swissmint’s 2025 Collection
The 100-franc gold Vreneli is just one of seven special coins Swissmint plans to release in 2025. Other commemorative coins will feature the CERN research center, the Federal court’s 150th anniversary, and the centennial of Swiss artist Jean Tinguely’s birth. These coins promise to be highly collectible and valuable additions to any numismatist’s portfolio.
Swissmint, a department of the Federal Finance Administration under Minister Karin Keller-Sutter, operates as a small production company with only 16 employees. They produce both circulation coins and these special commemorative editions. The annual mintage of circulation coins is determined by the Swiss National Bank, which then collects the finished coins through a secure system.
Swissmint: Cashing In on a Coin Collecting Craze
The Swiss mint,Swissmint,is experiencing a remarkable resurgence,minting far more coins than in recent years and generating significant revenue for the Swiss federal treasury.This unexpected boom highlights the enduring appeal of physical currency and the thriving global market for collectible coins.
In 2023, Swissmint produced a staggering 70 million coins, a sharp increase from the 16 million and 21 million minted in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Marketing and sales manager Jan Niklas Betz attributes this increase to the directives of the National Bank. “We do what the National Bank tells us,” Betz explains, adding that all coin production is done at cost price. This counters the narrative of a cashless future, proving that physical currency still holds significant relevance.
Special Coins: A Lucrative Venture
While Swissmint adheres to National Bank guidelines for standard circulation coins, the mint enjoys considerable creative freedom when designing special edition coins. Each design, however, requires approval from the Swiss finance minister. These special coins, produced with significantly more effort than standard circulation money, are sold at a profit, directly benefiting the federal treasury. Betz emphasizes the strategic approach to these special editions: “The subject, design and number of pieces of each special coin are chosen so that the coins…can be sold at a profit.”
A Windfall for the Swiss Treasury
Swissmint’s ambition extends beyond current success; they aim for even greater sales.Betz points to a recent auction in Geneva on December 10th as evidence of the market’s potential. The auction of 27 coins, including older coins and test mintings of a 2024 special coin, raised 312,000 Swiss francs for the treasury. “The global collector market is huge, people just need to know that we exist,” Betz states, highlighting the untapped potential for growth.
Since taking over in the fall of 2021, Betz has implemented several strategies to boost Swissmint’s visibility. These include a revamped online shop and the introduction of public tours, culminating—as in most museums—in a souvenir shop. These shops now offer coin sets, polished collections of circulation coins complemented by a special edition coin. This contrasts with the past, when the federal government discontinued similar offerings for cost-cutting measures.”That was before my time,” Betz clarifies, implying a more proactive approach under his leadership.
While the new 100-franc gold medals are unlikely to grace the souvenir shop, due to anticipated high demand, their impact on the treasury is expected to be substantial. Although betz refrains from disclosing the selling price, experts predict a price around 3,000 francs per coin, with potential for significant appreciation in the coming years, should the coin collecting trend persist.
Holiday Hazards: Are Ticks Hiding in Your Christmas Tree?
The holidays are a time for joy, family, and festive decorations. But this year, Aktion Tier, a German animal welfare association, is issuing a warning that could put a damper on your Christmas cheer: ticks might be hiding in your Christmas tree.
While many beleive that freezing temperatures kill ticks, the reality is more nuanced. Common wisdom suggests that ticks become inactive when temperatures consistently hover between 0 and 4 degrees Celsius (32 and 39 degrees Fahrenheit) for an extended period. However, this isn’t always the case.
Dr.Hans Dautel, a leading expert on ectoparasites, offers a crucial clarification. He explains, “Ixodes ricinus ticks survive temperatures down to -10 °C or slightly below.” This means that even after a tree has been cut and transported, some ticks might still be alive and perhaps pose a risk.
The Ixodes ricinus tick, also known as the sheep tick or castor bean tick, is prevalent in many parts of Europe and can transmit diseases like Lyme disease. While less common in the U.S.,similar tick species exist and present similar risks. Thus,the warning from Aktion Tier serves as a valuable reminder to exercise caution when handling any cut greenery during the winter months.
To minimize the risk, experts recommend thoroughly inspecting your Christmas tree before bringing it inside. Shake it vigorously outdoors to dislodge any potential hitchhikers. Once inside,keep the tree away from areas where people frequently sit or sleep.Regular vacuuming around the tree can also help remove any ticks that may have fallen off.
While the chances of encountering ticks in your Christmas tree might seem low, being aware of the possibility allows for proactive measures to protect your family’s health and enjoy a safe and happy holiday season.
Tick Trouble in Your Christmas Tree?
A German animal welfare institution issues a warning regarding the potential for ticks to hitchhike on holiday evergreens.
Get ready for deck the halls with boughs of—ticks? Strange as it may seem,a recent warning from Aktion Tier,a German animal welfare organization,has spotlighted an unexpected holiday hazard: ticks hiding in Christmas trees. While less common in the U.S. than in Europe, similar tick species exist and present similar risks. Thus, the warning from Aktion Tier serves as a valuable reminder to exercise caution when handling any cut greenery during the winter months.
Inspect Carefully, Protect Yourself
To minimize the risk, experts recommend thoroughly inspecting your christmas tree before bringing it inside.
Shake it vigorously outdoors to dislodge any potential hitchhikers. Once inside, keep the tree away from areas where people frequently sit or sleep.
Regular vacuuming around the tree
can also help remove any ticks that may have fallen off.
A Few Simple Steps for a Tick-Free Holiday
While the chances of encountering ticks in your Christmas tree might seem low,being aware of the possibility allows for proactive measures to protect your family’s health and enjoy a safe and happy holiday season.
Interview:
Headline: Ticks in Your Tree? Expert Weighs In On Holiday Hazards
Introduction:
With the holiday season upon us, many families are bringing home live Christmas trees to decorate their homes.Though, a recent warning from Aktion Tier, a German animal welfare organization, highlights an unexpected holiday hazard: ticks hiding in Christmas trees.
While less common in the U.S., similar tick species exist and present similar risks. To shed light on this unusual threat and provide helpful advice for staying safe, we spoke with dr. Emily carter, an entomologist specializing in tickborne diseases.
Dr. Emily Carter:
Expert Entomologist
Interview:
Senior Editor: Dr. Carter, thanks for joining us. This recent warning about ticks in Christmas trees came as a surprise to many. Can you explain how this is possible?
Dr. Carter:
It’s true, most people don’t associate ticks with Christmas trees. However, ticks are commonly found in grassy and wooded areas, which is where many Christmas trees are grown.ticks can easily crawl onto the foliage of trees seeking warmth and shelter, and than become unwitting travelers to our homes.
Senior Editor: So. how concerned should people be? Are ticks in Christmas trees a widespread problem?
Dr. carter:
While it’s not an everyday occurrence, it’s certainly not unheard of. Some tick species are more prone to this than others, but it’s always best to err on the side of caution.
Senior Editor: What can people do to protect themselves?
Dr. Carter:
There are some simple steps everyone can take. First, when choosing your tree, try to select one that looks freshly cut and hasn’t been sitting around for to long in a lot.
Once you have your tree home, thoroughly shake it outside to dislodge any potential hitchhikers.
It’s also an excellent idea to wear gloves when handling a Christmas tree and to keep the tree away from areas where people frequently sit or sleep.
Senior Editor: What about after the holidays? Are there any special precautions needed when disposing of the tree?
Dr.Carter: Yes, it’s wise to take the same precautions when taking down your tree as you did when putting it up. Shake it vigorously outdoors and bag it securely before discarding it.
Senior Editor:
Dr. Carter, thank you for sharing your expertise. Any final advice for our readers?
Dr.Carter:
Enjoy the holidays,but remember to stay vigilant. Taking a few simple steps can help keep your family safe from these unexpected holiday guests.
