Multicultural Celebration
Liechtenstein-based CIT, whose coins have reshaped the modern coin market since 1970, launched an impressive group of premium collector coins at the ANA’s World’s Fair of Money® in Rosemont.
Among the many highlights of that assortment is a special series to mark the centennial of Liechtenstein’s use of the Swiss franc as its national currency. These coins were also issued for Liechtenstein. Most CIT coins are made on behalf of Palau or other countries. Also announced at Rosemont is the latest release in the company’s Tiffany Metropolis series, which this year honors the South Korean capital Seoul.
Liechtenstein & the Swiss Franc
Liechtenstein—a country of 40,000 people living in 12,000-square miles—is located between Austria and Switzerland in the lower Alps. The river Rhine provides a border between it and Switzerland. The countries have been aligned since World War II.
Liechtenstein’s coins have been denominated in Swiss francs since 1924—a step that has helped foster greater economic prosperity and stability.
Unlike many other countries, Liechtenstein rarely issues commemoratives. Its most recent releases prior to the 2024 coins were in 2019 and 2006. That alone makes the coins celebrating the country’s 100-year monetary union with Switzerland significant pieces.
The new coins were issued with the cooperation of Liechtenstein and Switzerland and were created through a partnership between Liechtenstein’s stamp department and CIT.
Each version features a topographical image of the Rhine valley on the reverse. It is based on real GPS data from swisstopo and includes the names of each of the country’s municipalities engraved on the rim. The four silver coins depict the valley in color, while the gold coin does not. The obverse features the crowned coat of arms of Liechtenstein surrounded by the issuing country name and the denomination.
The firm produced a gold proof 10 franc coin made of a half gram of .9999 gold with a mintage of 5,000. The silver versions are struck in what CIT calls a silk finish and minted using the firm’s ultra-deep-relief process. They include the following:
- 5 francs, 1-ounce .9999 silver, 38.61 mm, mintage of 5,000
- 10 francs, 2-ounce, .9999 silver, 50mm, mintage of 1,000
- 25 francs, 5-ounce .9999 silver, 65 mm, mintage of 500
- 100 francs, 1 kilo .9999 silver, 100 mm, mintage of 100
Celebrating Seoul
CIT’s Tiffany Metropolis series features a different major world city each year that appears on two different coin designs. The entire South Korean capital Seoul was depicted on 3-ounce and one kilo silver proof coins released last winter with an inlay of red Tiffany glass for the city’s Han river.
The second 2024 release appears on 5-ounce, .9999-fine gold proof and 5-ounce, .9999-fine silver coins with a black proof finish that depict the Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul. King Taejo, the founder of the Joseon Dynasty, completed the structure in 1395.
On the coin’s reverse is the Heungnyemun Gate, the second main gate of the Gyeongbokgung Palace complex. It is adorned with intricate decorations and richly carved wooden columns. The obverse features Geunjeongjeon Hall, with its steeply gabled roofs, intricately decorated balustrades, and expansive courtyard. It served as the throne hall and coronation venue of the palace.
The red Tiffany glass insert was chosen because it is one of the colors of the Korean flag. The Joseon seal and the Korean characters known as Hangul further refine this sophisticated design.
The $25 silver coin has a 65mm diameter and mintage of 555, and the $500 gold coin has a 50mm diameter and mintage of 50.