Swissmint Silber "Pioniere der Schweizer Luftfahrt" 20 g PP - 2025

The silver coin "Pioneers of Swiss Aviation" 20 g PP – 2025 is the first commemorative coin in a three-part series from the Swiss Mint, Swissmint. Aviation in Switzerland began in the late 19th century with balloon pioneers. In 1897, the Federal Council decided to establish a Swiss airship company—ten years after military airship operations had taken hold in Europe. Prior to this, pioneers like Eduard Spelterini and the Piccard brothers had already conducted initial balloon experiments for the army. With World War I and the development of modern air forces, ballooning lost its significance; the unit was ultimately disbanded in 1937. The series kicks off with the 20-franc coin "Pioneers of Swiss Aviation," which narrates the beginning of the conquest of the skies by hot air balloons. The commemorative silver coin "Pioneers of Swiss Aviation" 20 g PP - 2025 is made of silver and weighs 20 g. It is offered in a polished plate quality with a mintage of 3,500 pieces in a case. The obverse features a variety of balloons, whose shapes and baskets impressively reflect the technological achievements of their time. This depiction symbolizes not only technological progress but also the enthusiasm and pioneering spirit of early Swiss aviation enthusiasts. Against the picturesque backdrop of the Saanenland with the distinctive mountains Gummfluh, La Videmanette, and Rüeblihorn, the balloons rise into the sky—accompanied by the inscription "Pioneers of Swiss Aviation." The reverse is adorned with a stylized propeller blade, symbolizing technological advancement up to the present day. It is framed by the inscription "CONFOEDERATIO HELVETICA 2025." The face value of 20 francs and the letter "B" for the minting location Bern complete the coin design.