Swiss Shooting Taler

The Coin & Currency Institute is producing a commemorative coin to celebrate the 20th Ticino Cantonal Shooting Festival, to be held in Ticino, Switzerland, in July. The tradition of Swiss marksmanship dates back to the 15th century when festival participants used crossbows. Today’s competitors use rifles and pistols, and the 2025 event is expected to welcome between 8,000 and 9,000 attendees.

The coin’s obverse depicts a profile view of Helvetia, an allegorical representation of Switzerland, next to a lion, symbolizing strength and courage. In a nod to Switzerland’s tradition of striking “shooting talers” to mark its sporting festivals, the reverse features the same armed soldier that appears on the 1814 Ticino 4-franken silver coin. The soldier is flanked by the Swiss and cantonal shields.

The taler is available as a 500-franc gold proof with a mintage of 150 and a 50-franc silver proof with a mintage of 1,000. To learn more and to order, visit the Coin & Currency Institute’s website.

A version of this article appears in the June 2025 issue of The Numismatist (money.org).