1 Franc Standing Helvetia
Country of Origin: Switzerland (Swiss Confederation)
Year of Issue: 1978
Denomination: 1 Franc (1 Fr.)
Composition: Copper-nickel (75% copper, 25% nickel)
Brief Description
A silver-colored Swiss coin featuring a standing figure of Helvetia on the obverse and a wreath on the reverse.
Historical Significance
The 'Standing Helvetia' design was introduced in 1874 and remains largely unchanged today, making it one of the longest-running active coin designs in the world. Coins from 1968 onwards are made of copper-nickel instead of silver.
Estimated Value
$1.10 - $1.50 in circulated condition, $3.00+ in Uncirculated condition (Values primarily reflect face value/exchange rate).
Care Instructions
Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid cleaning, which can damage the surface and reduce collector value. Use PVC-free holders.
Mint Mark
'B' for Bern Mint (Bern, Switzerland)
Mintage & Rarity
25,021,000; common.
Weight & Diameter
5.00 grams / 23.20 mm
Edge
Reeded
Apparent Grade
Fine to Very Fine; shows moderate circulation wear on the high points of Helvetia and the wreath.
Obverse (Front)
Standing figure of Helvetia, personification of Switzerland, wearing a toga, holding a spear and a shield with the Swiss cross. Surrounded by 22 stars representing the Swiss cantons. Designer: Antoine Bovy.
Reverse (Back)
Denomination '1 Fr.' and the year '1978' within a wreath made of oak and alpine rose branches. Mint mark 'B' at the bottom. Designer: Albert Walch.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Condition and the exchange rate of the Swiss Franc are the primary value drivers for this common date.
Similar Coins
Often confused with the 1/2 Franc and 2 Franc coins which share the same 'Standing Helvetia' motif but differ in size and weight.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Check for proper weight (5.0g) and clear, sharp details. Modern Swiss coins are rarely counterfeited due to low collector premiums, but silver versions (pre-1968) are more common targets.
Notable Varieties & Errors
No major die varieties or errors are significant for the 1978 issue.
Created At: 2026-05-10T22:04:46.841743