A classic investment coin, the Swiss "Vreneli" adopts the Latin Monetary Union standard (titles and weight of the 20 F module), making it immediately legible by professionals and private individuals alike. Minted at 900 ‰ for a weight of around 6.45 g (≈ 5.81 g fine gold), it benefits from a deep market in Europe and high liquidity.

History of the 20 Francs Suisse coin

At the end of the XIXᵉ century, Switzerland became fully part of the European monetary ecosystem harmonized by the Latin Union: the 20 franc module became the standard for gold payments, interchangeable with its French, Italian or Belgian equivalents.

A federal law of January 6, 1896 paved the way for a new series of 20-franc coins conforming to this standard, minted in Berne from 1897. The purpose was twofold: to guarantee a metallic currency compatible with trading partners, and to provide a reliable reserve instrument for banks and the public. Production lasted until the mid-1930s, a period marked by the end of gold circulation in many countries and by currency adjustments.

After 1935, minting ceased, but "stock market" issues for the gold market were made again in 1947 and 1949, prolonging the type's heritage use.

In all, almost 59 million examples were produced, a sign of widespread circulation and recognition beyond Switzerland's borders. The coin thus encapsulates an ambition for monetary stability: a clear, UML-compatible template that has remained one of the continent's most familiar savings formats.

Price trend of the 20 Francs Suisse coin over the last 20 years (from 2005 to 2025)

Like all standard 20 F coins, its valuation initially follows the price of gold: a bullish phase from 2005 to 2011, then a consolidation phase from 2013 to 2015, and finally a new cycle from 2019 onwards, with record highs in 2020 and new peaks in 2024-2025. At each stage, the premium has acted as an amplifier: moderate when supply is abundant, more nervous in times of strong demand or logistical tensions. As for the Swiss franc, 2024 saw a remarkable breakout in gold prices, boosting the appeal of Swiss coins. The decade from 2014 to 2021 also saw a marked rise in the price of gold, as the metal generally recovered and investors became more interested in historical formats.

Why invest in Swiss 20 Francs?

This format is an accessible, standardized and easy-to-sell way to get started in physical gold. Accessibility: a lower entry price than an ounce, ideal for smoothing out purchases over time and gradually building up tangible savings. Standardization: the 20 F UML module is world-renowned, with consistent characteristics; this facilitates appraisal, price transparency and comparison between equivalent coins. Liquidity: supply and demand run deep in Europe; quotations are continuously monitored and coins are easy to resell.

VARIABLE VINTAGES / EFFIGIES

Vintages and/or effigies of these coins are sent randomly according to our stocks.

As these are bullion coins and not collector's items, their years of issue or effigies have no impact on their value or resale price.

Photos non contractual.

GOLD BULLION COINS FAQ :

WHAT IS AN EXCHANGEABLE GOLD COIN?

This is a standardized, liquid gold coin, generally minted after 1800, which is often exempt from VAT in France if it meets the purity and shape criteria defined by regulations.

HOW TO INVEST IN PHYSICAL GOLD?

You can buy or sell physical gold (coins or bars), which are considered exchangeable products. We invite you to consult our gold investment guide to help you define your investment strategy.

HOW CAN I SELL MY GOLD COIN ?

Simply send it to us by post. We'll send you a free Gold Kit, which explains how to return your investment gold coins to us. You can also fill in the "You're selling" box at the top right of this page, which will give you a real-time price estimate.

WHAT CAPITAL GAINS TAX APPLIES TO THE SALE OF INVESTMENT GOLD?

In France, two options are available:

- TMP (flat-rate capital gains tax): 11.5% of the sale price if no proof of sale is provided,

- TPV (taxe sur la plus-value): 36.2% applied to the actual capital gain, with an annual allowance of 5% from the 3rdᵉ year, and total exemption after 22 years of ownership.

WHAT IS THE PREMIUM ON A GOLD COIN?

The premium represents the extra cost above the value of pure gold, reflecting manufacturing and distribution costs and market demand. The rarer the condition or vintage, the higher the premium.

HOW CAN I STORE MY GOLD SAFELY?

We offer two storage solutions for your precious metals: Gardien'Or and Coffre-Fort Privé.