½ Franc Helvetia standing; silver

Features

Issuer SwitzerlandSwitzerland (1848-date)
Period Federal State (1848-date)
Type Standard circulation coin
Years 1875-1967
Value ½ Franc (½ CHF)
Currency Franc (1850-date)
Composition Silver (.835) (16.5% copper)
Weight 2.5 g
Diameter 18.2 mm
Thickness 1.28 mm
Shape Round
Technique Milled
Orientation Coin alignment ↑↓
Demonetized 1 April 1971
Number
N#
180
References HMZ 2# 1206,
Jürg Richter, Ruedi Kunzmann; 2006. Der neue HMZ-Katalog / Band. 2. Die Münzen der Schweiz und Liechtensteins : 15./16. Jahrhundert bis Gegenwart. Battenberg Gietl Verlag, Regenstauf, Germany.
Divo/Tob19# 307,
Jean-Paul Divo, Edwin Tobler; 1967. Die Münzen der Schweiz im 19. Und 20. Jahrhundert. Bank Leu AG, Zürich, Switzerland.
KM# 23,
Tracy L. Schmidt (editor); 2019. Standard Catalog of World Coins / 2001-Date (14th edition). Krause Publications, Stevens Point, Wisconsin, United States.
And 5 more volumes.
Schön# 27,
Gerhard Schön; 2022. Weltmünzkatalog / 20. Jahrhundert: 1901-2000 (47. Auflage). Battenberg Gietl Verlag, Regenstauf, Germany.
And 1 more volumes.
Y# 31
Richard S. Yeoman, Arthur L. Friedberg; 2007. A Catalog of Modern World Coins : 1850-1964 (14th edition). Whitman Publishing Company, Atlanta, United States.
And 1 more volumes.

Series: Helvetia standing series

Obverse

Full-length figure of Helvetia, standing, facing left, wearing toga, holding a spear in right hand, and supporting shield with coat of arms of Switzerland with left hand. 22 stars around, representing the 22 cantons of the Swiss confederation.

Script: Latin

Lettering:
HELVETIA
A. BOVY INCᵀ.

Translation:
Antoine Bovy incidit.
Engraved by Antoine Bovy.

Engraver: Antoine Bovy

Designer: Albert Walch

Reverse

Wreath formed of oak and alpine rose branches tied with a ribbon below.

Script: Latin

Lettering:
½ Fr.
1878
B

Engraver: Antoine Bovy

Designer: Albert Wach

Edge

Reeded.

½ Franc (Helvetia standing; silver) -  obverse

© Walter_Scott

Mint

B Bern, Switzerland (1225-date)

Comments

In 1967, the price of silver soared steeply, reaching 260 francs per kilogram in August and 350 francs per kilogram in March 1968. At this time, the melt value of the 1/2 franc pieces was circa 0.73 francs. Switzerland started to experience a severe shortage of cash, especially in the north, where people were illegally exporting coins to Germany to be melted. In spite of strict measures against hoarding and melting coins, it is estimated that around 100 tonnes of silver in 1/2, 1 and 2 franc coins were melted. The crisis concluded in 1968, when the Swiss mint started to mint coins in a copper-nickel alloy at full capacity, around 1.5 million coins per day. The coins were released on 10 May 1968 and the old silver coins were withdrawn on 1 April 1971.

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Date Mintage G VG F VF XF AU UNC Frequency
1875 B 1 000 000 $ 15 $ 15 $ 15 2%
1875 B 0.07% Specimen
1877 B 1 000 000 $ 2.20 $ 11 $ 13 1.9%
1877 B 0.06% Specimen
1878 B 1 000 000 $ 9.50 $ 9.50 2%
1878 B 0.06% Specimen
1879 B 1 000 000 $ 7.80 $ 15 1.8%
1879 B 0.04% Specimen
1881 B 1 000 000 $ 6.30 $ 6.30 $ 6.30 3%
1881 B 0.07% Specimen
1882 B 1 000 000 $ 7.80 $ 8.60 2%
1882 B 0.06% Specimen
1894 A 800 000 $ 11 $ 11 1.8%
1894 B 0.06% Specimen
1896 B 28 0.16% Specimen
1898 B 1 600 000 $ 1.10 $ 2.20 $ 2.70 $ 3.20 6%
1898 B 0.10% Specimen
1899 B 400 000 $ 6.20 $ 6.20 2%
1899 B 0.04% Specimen
1900 B 400 000 $ 3.20 $ 4.90 $ 5.40 2.0%
1900 B 0.04% Specimen
1901 B 200 000 $ 12 $ 12 1.6%
1901 B 0.06% Specimen
1903 B 800 000 $ 1.80 $ 2.20 $ 3.80 4%
1903 B 0.06% Specimen
1904 B 400 000 $ 2.20 $ 3.50 $ 7.50 3%
1904 B 0.06% Specimen
1905 B 600 000 $ 3.40 $ 3.40 $ 4.30 4%
1905 B 0.09% Specimen
1906 B 1 000 000 $ 2.40 $ 2.40 $ 3.20 5%
1906 B 0.07% Specimen
1907 B 1 200 000 $ 2.20 $ 2.50 $ 3.20 6%
1907 B 0.04% Specimen
1908 B 800 000 $ 3.20 $ 3.20 $ 4.80 5%
1908 B 0.04% Specimen
1909 B 1 000 000 $ 2.90 $ 2.90 $ 3.90 5%
1909 B 0.15% Specimen
1910 B 1 000 000 $ 4.30 $ 4.30 5%
1910 B 0.06% Specimen
1913 B 800 000 $ 2.90 $ 2.90 $ 3.20 4%
1913 B 0.07% Specimen
1914 B 2 000 000 $ 2.00 $ 2.00 $ 3.20 7%
1914 B 0.04% Specimen
1916 B 800 000 $ 2.20 $ 3.00 $ 3.30 $ 5.10 4%
1916 B 0.04% Specimen
1920 B 5 400 000 $ 2.00 $ 2.00 $ 2.20 $ 3.50 $ 3.50 14%
1920 B 0.16% Specimen
1921 B 6 000 000 $ 2.00 $ 2.20 $ 2.70 $ 3.40 $ 6.60 15%
1921 B 0.04% Specimen
1928 B 1 000 000 $ 2.20 $ 3.80 $ 5.40 4%
1928 B 0.04% Specimen
1929 B 2 000 000 $ 2.30 $ 2.60 $ 2.60 $ 5.00 7%
1929 B 0.07% Specimen
1931 B 1 000 000 $ 2.20 $ 2.70 $ 17 4%
1931 B 0.04% Specimen
1932 B 1 000 000 $ 2.20 $ 3.10 $ 3.30 4%
1932 B 0.04% Specimen
1934 B 2 000 000 $ 2.20 $ 2.70 $ 3.80 6%
1934 B 0.06% Specimen
1936 B 400 000 $ 3.20 $ 4.30 $ 4.30 2%
1936 B 0.06% Specimen
1937 B 1 000 000 $ 2.50 $ 3.00 $ 4.30 4%
1937 B 0.04% Specimen
1939 B 1 001 000 $ 3.20 $ 4.90 $ 4.90 4%
1939 B 0.04% Specimen
1940 B 2 002 000 $ 2.40 $ 2.70 $ 3.20 7%
1940 B 0.13% Specimen
1941 B 200 000 $ 3.20 $ 4.90 $ 5.10 4%
1941 B 0.07% Specimen
1942 B 2 969 000 $ 1.50 $ 2.20 $ 3.00 $ 3.20 7%
1942 B 0.07% Specimen
1943 B 4 573 000 $ 3.10 $ 3.10 $ 3.70 $ 3.70 $ 3.80 10%
1943 B 0.09% Specimen
1944 B 7 455 000 $ 0.92 $ 1.70 $ 2.60 $ 3.20 $ 3.50 15%
1944 B 0.15% Specimen
1945 B 4 928 000 $ 2.10 $ 2.90 $ 2.90 $ 2.90 $ 2.90 12%
1945 B 0.13% Specimen
1946 B 6 817 000 $ 1.60 $ 2.60 $ 3.20 $ 4.40 $ 5.40 14% coin alignment
1946 B 0.4% medal alignment
1946 B 0.15% Specimen
1948 B 6 113 000 $ 2.30 $ 2.30 $ 2.70 $ 3.50 13%
1948 B 0.13% Specimen
1950 B 7 148 000 $ 1.30 $ 1.60 $ 2.10 $ 2.10 $ 2.10 $ 4.60 13%
1950 B 0.18% Specimen
1951 B 8 530 000 $ 2.20 $ 2.20 $ 2.60 $ 2.70 $ 3.50 14%
1951 B 0.13% Specimen
1952 B 14 023 000 $ 0.54 $ 1.90 $ 2.20 $ 2.70 $ 4.10 $ 4.10 19%
1952 B 0.18% Specimen
1953 B 3 567 000 $ 2.10 $ 2.10 $ 2.70 $ 3.00 $ 3.70 8%
1953 B 0.10% Specimen
1955 B 1 320 000 $ 2.80 $ 2.80 $ 3.90 $ 5.10 4%
1955 B 0.06% Specimen
1956 B 4 250 000 $ 2.50 $ 2.70 $ 3.20 $ 5.30 $ 5.70 8%
1956 B 0.06% Specimen
1957 B 12 085 000 $ 0.50 $ 2.30 $ 2.50 $ 3.10 $ 3.10 $ 3.10 15%
1957 B 0.10% Specimen
1958 B 11 558 000 $ 0.53 $ 2.20 $ 2.20 $ 2.80 $ 2.80 $ 3.40 14%
1958 B 0.10% Specimen
1959 B 12 581 000 $ 2.20 $ 2.20 $ 2.20 $ 2.50 $ 3.60 $ 3.60 15%
1959 B 0.16% Specimen
1960 B 14 528 000 $ 2.20 $ 2.20 $ 2.20 $ 3.00 $ 3.00 15%
1960 B 0.15% Specimen
1961 B 6 906 000 $ 1.10 $ 2.30 $ 2.30 $ 2.30 $ 2.30 $ 2.90 9%
1961 B 0.09% Specimen
1962 B 18 272 000 $ 1.10 $ 2.20 $ 2.80 $ 2.80 $ 3.10 16%
1962 B 0.16% Specimen
1963 B 25 168 000 $ 0.50 $ 1.60 $ 2.10 $ 2.20 $ 2.80 $ 2.80 18%
1963 B 0.16% Specimen
1964 B 22 720 000 $ 2.00 $ 2.00 $ 2.30 $ 2.80 $ 3.70 15%
1964 B 0.18% Specimen
1965 B 17 920 000 $ 1.10 $ 2.20 $ 2.60 $ 2.60 $ 3.20 12%
1965 B 0.16% Specimen
1966 B 10 008 000 $ 2.20 $ 2.20 $ 2.40 $ 2.40 8%
1966 B 0.07% Specimen
1967 B 16 096 000 $ 2.20 $ 2.70 $ 2.70 $ 3.20 9%
1967 B 0.19% Specimen

Values in the table above are expressed in USD. They are based on evaluations by Numista users and sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only; they are not intended to be relied upon for buying, selling or exchanging. Numista does not buy or sell coins or banknotes.

Frequencies show the percentage of Numista users who own each year or variety among all the users who own this coin. Since some users own several versions, the sum may be greater than 100%.

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Numista Rarity index: 4 Search tips
This index is based on the data of Numista members collections. It ranges from 0 to 100, 0 meaning a very common coin or banknote and 100 meaning a rare coin or banknote among Numista members.

Bullion value: USD 1.68 Search tips
This value is given for information purpose only. It is based on a price of silver at 803 USD/kg. Numista does not buy or sell coins or metal.

Past sales

Pictures Sale Date Version Grade Sold price
Picture 1 of a sold ½ Franc (Helvetia standing; silver)Picture 1 of a sold ½ Franc (Helvetia standing; silver)Picture 1 of a sold ½ Franc (Helvetia standing; silver)Picture 1 of a sold ½ Franc (Helvetia standing; silver)
Heritage Auctions
2024 March 19 Spotlight: Switzerland World Coins Showcase Auction 61378
Lot 24099
Internet Archive
19 Mar 2024 Undetermined UNC USD 186.00
(incl. buyer's premium)
Picture 1 of a sold ½ Franc (Helvetia standing; silver)Picture 1 of a sold ½ Franc (Helvetia standing; silver)Picture 1 of a sold ½ Franc (Helvetia standing; silver)Picture 1 of a sold ½ Franc (Helvetia standing; silver)
Heritage Auctions
2024 March 19 Spotlight: Switzerland World Coins Showcase Auction 61378
Lot 24076
Internet Archive
19 Mar 2024 Undetermined UNC
The lot includes several items.
Picture 1 of a sold ½ Franc (Helvetia standing; silver)Picture 1 of a sold ½ Franc (Helvetia standing; silver)Picture 1 of a sold ½ Franc (Helvetia standing; silver)Picture 1 of a sold ½ Franc (Helvetia standing; silver)
Heritage Auctions
2024 March 19 Spotlight: Switzerland World Coins Showcase Auction 61378
Lot 24077
Internet Archive
19 Mar 2024 Undetermined UNC
(NGC MS66)
USD 432.00
(incl. buyer's premium)
Picture 1 of a sold ½ Franc (Helvetia standing; silver)Picture 1 of a sold ½ Franc (Helvetia standing; silver)Picture 1 of a sold ½ Franc (Helvetia standing; silver)Picture 1 of a sold ½ Franc (Helvetia standing; silver)
Heritage Auctions
2024 March 19 Spotlight: Switzerland World Coins Showcase Auction 61378
Lot 24078
Internet Archive
19 Mar 2024 Undetermined UNC
(PCGS MS67+)
USD 1800.00
(incl. buyer's premium)
Picture 1 of a sold ½ Franc (Helvetia standing; silver)Picture 1 of a sold ½ Franc (Helvetia standing; silver)Picture 1 of a sold ½ Franc (Helvetia standing; silver)Picture 1 of a sold ½ Franc (Helvetia standing; silver)
Heritage Auctions
2024 March 19 Spotlight: Switzerland World Coins Showcase Auction 61378
Lot 24079
Internet Archive
19 Mar 2024 Undetermined UNC
(PCGS MS67)
USD 720.00
(incl. buyer's premium)
Picture 1 of a sold ½ Franc (Helvetia standing; silver)Picture 1 of a sold ½ Franc (Helvetia standing; silver)
Heritage Auctions
2024 March 19 Spotlight: Switzerland World Coins Showcase Auction 61378
Lot 24080
Internet Archive
19 Mar 2024 Undetermined UNC
(PCGS MS67)
USD 53.00
(incl. buyer's premium)
Picture 1 of a sold ½ Franc (Helvetia standing; silver)Picture 1 of a sold ½ Franc (Helvetia standing; silver)
Heritage Auctions
2024 March 19 Spotlight: Switzerland World Coins Showcase Auction 61378
Lot 24081
Internet Archive
19 Mar 2024 Undetermined UNC
(PCGS MS67)
USD 94.00
(incl. buyer's premium)
Picture 1 of a sold ½ Franc (Helvetia standing; silver)Picture 1 of a sold ½ Franc (Helvetia standing; silver)
Heritage Auctions
2024 March 19 Spotlight: Switzerland World Coins Showcase Auction 61378
Lot 24082
Internet Archive
19 Mar 2024 Undetermined UNC
(PCGS MS67)
USD 76.00
(incl. buyer's premium)
Picture 1 of a sold ½ Franc (Helvetia standing; silver)Picture 1 of a sold ½ Franc (Helvetia standing; silver)Picture 1 of a sold ½ Franc (Helvetia standing; silver)Picture 1 of a sold ½ Franc (Helvetia standing; silver)
Heritage Auctions
2024 March 19 Spotlight: Switzerland World Coins Showcase Auction 61378
Lot 24083
Internet Archive
19 Mar 2024 Undetermined UNC
(NGC MS67)
USD 61.00
(incl. buyer's premium)
Picture 1 of a sold ½ Franc (Helvetia standing; silver)Picture 1 of a sold ½ Franc (Helvetia standing; silver)Picture 1 of a sold ½ Franc (Helvetia standing; silver)Picture 1 of a sold ½ Franc (Helvetia standing; silver)
Heritage Auctions
2024 March 19 Spotlight: Switzerland World Coins Showcase Auction 61378
Lot 24084
Internet Archive
19 Mar 2024 Undetermined UNC
(NGC MS67)
USD 61.00
(incl. buyer's premium)
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