New "Hydropower" Swiss commemorative coin and 2021 Christmas coin set

Swissmint

Press release
Date:          09.09.2021

New "Hydropower" Swiss commemorative
coin and 2021 Christmas coin set
On 9 September 2021, Swissmint is issuing the new "Hydropower" silver coin,
the first in the three-part "Energy of the future" series. This commemorative coin
marks the first time in Swissmint's history that it has issued a coloured coin with
additional fluorescent elements which glow in the dark. The new coin for
collectors and enthusiasts is available only in proof quality in a presentation
case with a numbered certificate of authenticity and, together with the 2021
Christmas coin set, rounds off this year's coin programme.

"Hydropower" as a 20-franc silver coin with colour and fluorescent elements
Energy is a precious commodity and an indispensable part of our everyday lives. A sustainable
energy supply plays an important role in this. The basis for these alternative forms of energy
is provided by natural resources, such as water, wind and sun.

Hydropower is one of the oldest energy sources in the world and was already used more than
5,000 years ago. It offers an efficient, climate- and environmentally friendly form of electricity
generation. In Switzerland, the hydropower plant network consists of run-of-river power plants
(usually consisting of a barrage formed of a weir in a flowing body of water, e.g. river power
plants), storage power plants (hydropower plants with natural or artificial water storage
reservoirs) and pumped storage power plants (consisting of two water basins located at
different heights, e.g. Grimsel). A total of 677 plants are in operation throughout the country,
producing an average of around 36,741 gigawatt hours of electricity per year and thereby
supplying 56% of Switzerland's power needs.

Swissmint is honouring the promotion of renewable energies and the sustainable use of
resources with its "Hydropower" 20-franc silver coin. This fine coin is not only captivating with
its colourful details, it also reveals another secret in the dark: the fluorescent elements printed
on the coin begin to glow, which is another highlight in the history of Swiss coins. This is the

                                               Federal Mint Swissmint
                                               Bernastrasse 28, 3003 Bern, Switzerland
                                               www.swissmint.ch

Press release

first time that this special feature has been used on a coin issued by the Federal Mint
Swissmint. This silver coin is available only in proof quality in a presentation case with a
numbered certificate of authenticity, and is the first in the three-part "Energy of the future"
series. It will be followed by "Solar energy" in 2022 and "Wind power" in 2023. At the top edge
of the obverse face, the words "WASSER" (water) and "ENERGIE" (power/energy) are written
in capitals, followed by the French and Italian designations "eau" and "acqua"; just below that,
turbine components and data on water consumption in Switzerland are depicted. The lower
half of the image shows an abstract colour image of water and water flows. The design was
created by Swissmint engraver Benjamin Löbbert.

2021 Christmas coin set
The new Christmas coin set rounds off Swissmint's programme of issues for 2021. It combines
the 2021 circulation coins with a shiny Christmas medal. The medal depicts a trumpet-blowing
angel and snow stars on the front, and the star of Bethlehem on the reverse.

The new commemorative coin and the coin set will be available from 9 September 2021
onwards as limited editions at www.swissmintshop.ch as well from some coin dealers and
banks.

The Federal Mint Swissmint
The Federal Mint Swissmint produces the country's coins for use in everyday payment
transactions. The Federal Mint also regularly issues commemorative coins and coinage of a
higher standard for the numismatic market. Commemorative coins in bimetal, silver or gold
bear an official, state-guaranteed, nominal value and are available in various minting qualities.

Note to the press

This press release and pictures of our current issues can be downloaded at the following links:

https://www.swissmint.ch/swissmint/en/home/aktuell/mm.html
https://www.swissmint.ch/swissmint/en/home/aktuell/medienbilder.html

For additional background information on the current commemorative coin and the designer,
see our customer magazine Heads or Tails.

https://www.swissmint.ch/swissmint/en/home/aktuell/kundenmagazin.html

We are happy to answer any questions you may have.

Marius Haldimann
General Manager Swissmint
Bernastrasse 28, 3003 Bern
Email media@swissmint.ch
Web     www.swissmint.ch

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Press release

Factsheet

"Hydropower" silver coin
Energy of the future series

Colour                                                           Fluorescent effect

Images shown enlarged

Motif                      "Hydropower"
Artist                     Benjamin Löbbert, Bern
Technical specifications   Alloy: silver 0.835
                           Weight: 20g
                           Diameter: 33mm
Legal face value           20 Swiss francs
Date of issue              9 September 2021
Mintage                        Proof in presentation case: 10,000 units
Recommended price              Proof:             CHF 80
Sold by                    Online at www.swissmintshop.ch
                           as well as some coin dealers and banks
Coined and issued by       Federal Mint Swissmint, CH-3003 Bern
                           www.swissmint.ch

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Press release

Factsheet
2021 Christmas coin set
with Christmas medal

p

Medal motif                Christmas angel and snow stars
Design of the medal and Jenny Leibundgut, Bern
the slipcase
Technical specifications   Alloy:

                            Circulation coins: cupronickel and aluminium-bronze
                            Medal: core: cupronickel; ring: aluminium-bronze
                           Measurements: 171mm x 106mm x 8mm
Legal face value           8.85 Swiss francs
Date of issue              9 September 2021
Mintage                    Brilliant uncirculated: 1,500 units
Recommended price          CHF 40
Sold by                    Online at www.swissmintshop.ch
                           as well as some coin dealers and banks
Coined and issued by       Federal Mint Swissmint, CH-3003 Bern
                           www.swissmint.ch

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