Swiss Gold 20 Franc Helvetia/Vreneli, classic Latin Monetary Union fractional gold with 0.1867 oz of gold and iconic Swiss artistry
The Switzerland Gold 20 Franc is one of the most famous classic European gold coins, combining Latin Monetary Union‑standard gold content with some of the most admired artwork in world coinage.
Minted in 90% gold and 10% copper, the 20 Franc Helvetia/Vreneli type weighs 6.45 g and carries about 0.1867 troy ounces of pure gold, making it a textbook LMU fractional gold piece that trades easily on its bullion value. The obverse shows Helvetia (the female personification of Switzerland) in front of the Alps with the HELVETIA legend, while the reverse features the Swiss shield over oak branches, the 20 FR denomination and date, all struck at the Bern mint.
Issued mainly between 1897 and 1936, with later restrikes in the 1940s, Swiss 20 Franc gold coins are widely available yet still carry strong collector appeal thanks to their romantic “Swiss Miss” design, LMU history, and standardized gold content, making them a staple choice for buyers who want historic European gold with deep liquidity.
