The Golden Century

How gold revolutionized global trade 100 years ago, shaped national symbols, created economic stability, and stirred up significant trouble.

By Sebastian Weischowski

Too young. Too individual. Too romantic. These scathing critiques were not about the next superstar in a talent show in 2025 but about a numismatic representative for Switzerland in May 1895. Twelve years earlier, Switzerland had introduced its first federal gold coin featuring the female personification of the country, "Helvetia," designed by Neuchâtel-based medalist Fritz Ulisse Landry. However, the government in Bern believed that she needed a makeover, and this endeavor ultimately ended in scandal. What Landry presented to the jury was a step too daring; he had modeled the coin after a young woman. The unique design of the youthful woman's face was meant to symbolize his vision of freedom. However, the jury didn't fall in love at first sight. They demanded that Landry make the features of the…

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World Coin News (Digital) - 1 Issue, January 2025

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