Swissmint, the federal mint of Switzerland, was established in 1855 in Bern following the creation of the modern Swiss federal state. Its most famous gold coin is the 20-franc "Vreneli," struck from 1897 to 1949 and named for the young Swiss woman on its obverse.
Built to the Latin Monetary Union standard — interchangeable with the French Napoleon — the Vreneli became a cornerstone of Switzerland’s deep gold-saving tradition. Minted in huge numbers, it remains one of the most liquid, low-premium small gold coins in the European market.