Hobbies And Interests
Instructions
Collecting Swiss Francs
Learn the history of the Swiss franc to understand the value. Swiss francs are the national currency of Switzerland and Liechtenstein, a small country which also uses its own form of currency. In 1850, the Swiss currency was first regulated by the Swiss Federal Constitution. For more than a century and a half, Swiss Francs have retained value and generated interest from gold coin collectors. Banknotes have evolved into pieces of collectible paper art, featuring colorful designs on a variety of sizes. In 2000, Swiss fiscal laws required that gold is used for 40 percent of coin cover.
Visit auction and gold coin dealer sites. Make Swiss franc coin purchases through online coin dealers or shops that offer certificates of authenticity with each piece. Convert your currency into Swiss francs for a fast and inexpensive way to begin collecting. After beginning with Swiss francs in circulation, note which pieces from the past you are interested in obtaining. Refer to a coin guide for current retail price ranges for the Swiss francs that interest you.
Add showpieces to your Swiss franc collection, such as the Swiss 20-Franc Vreneli gold coin. The profile of a Swiss woman with braids is depicted in the 20-franc coin, which was first minted in 1879. Only 27 pieces came from the original mint; they are the most prized amongst coin collectors. The coin was reminted throughout the late 19th century, and continued to circulate until 1949, when the design was retired. Swiss Shooting Talers are also collectible. According to the Professional Coin Grading Service, "The first three issues were the legal equivalent of the 5-franc coin of the Swiss Confederation of the time." Buy the first wave of Talers minted between 1842 and 1885.
Preserve your Swiss franc collection. Protect your investment in albums, tubes and boxes that do not contain PVC, as this agent can leave a green tinge on the gold in Swiss francs. According to a Nevada Appeal contributor, "many older holders (books, binders, rolls, and flips) have chemicals that can react with your coin's surface. Things such as sulfur, iron, and poly-vinyl-chloride contained in the materials or staples used to hold them together are common culprits to coin degradation." Coin albums with PVC-free flips, non-sulfur paper, and inert holders should be used for holding your Swiss francs. Do not clean Swiss franc gold coins, as it might damage the finish.