All coins have the legend of either Helvetia or Confœderatio Helvetica, the Latin name of the Swiss Confederation, along with the year number. The 5, 10, and 20 centimes coins show a head of Liberty in profile, designed by Karl Schwenzer (1879). The 1⁄2, 1, and 2 francs coins show a standing figure of the national personification Helvetia, designed by Albert Walch (1860). The 5 francs coin on the obverse shows a portrait of an "alpine herdsman" (Alphirte), designed by Paul Burkhard (1922), and on the reverse the federal coat of arms; additionally it has the inscription Dominus Providebit embossed on the edge.
Issuer Switzerland › Switzerland (1848-date)
Period Federal State (1848-date)
Type Standard circulation coin
Years 1850-1851
Value ½ Franc (½ CHF)
Currency Franc (1850-date)
Composition Silver (.900) (10% copper)
Weight 2.5 g
Diameter 18.2 mm
Shape Round
Technique Milled
Orientation Medal alignment ↑↑
Demonetized 1 January 1869