Switzerland: silver 5 francs, Armament commemorative, 1936-B

Discussion in 'World Coins' started by lordmarcovan, Nov 24, 2022.

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How interesting/appealing do you find this item, whether or not you're an expert? (1=worst, 10=best)

  1. 10

    3 vote(s)
    9.4%

  2. 9

    10 vote(s)
    31.3%

  3. 8

    9 vote(s)
    28.1%

  4. 7

    2 vote(s)
    6.3%

  5. 6

    1 vote(s)
    3.1%

  6. 5

    2 vote(s)
    6.3%

  7. 4

    3 vote(s)
    9.4%

  8. 3

    1 vote(s)
    3.1%

  9. 2

    1 vote(s)
    3.1%

  10. 1

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%
  1. lordmarcovan

    lordmarcovan Eclectic & Eccentric Moderator

    Switzerland: silver 5 francs, Armament commemorative, 1936-B
    01-frame.png
    Obverse: Helvetia kneeling, facing right, holding sword in right hand and dove in left hand.
    Reverse: PRO PATRIA ARMIS TUENDA ("To defend the country with arms") inscription in four lines within pearled rectangle. Coat of arms of Switzerland at the top left inside the frame, oak leaves with acorns to the left and right, helmet above.
    Issuer: Swiss Confederation.
    Specifications: .835 silver, .4027 oz., 31 mm. Bern mint. Edge inscription: ★★★ DOMINUS | PROVIDEBIT | ★★★★★★★★★★.
    Grade: PCGS MS66, cert #36204555.
    Reference: Numista-12904, Krause-Mishler-41.
    Provenance: ex-Josh Zachman ("Kazuma78" on CoinTalk), 1 August 2022. Sticker on the back of the slab indicates prior provenance to Atlas Numismatics.
    Notes: The obverse design shows that Helvetia (the nation) prefers peace (the dove), but is ready for war if necessary (the sword). This commemorative issue was struck to finance war bonds. The Swiss preparedness measures taken during this period no doubt helped protect their neutrality in World War 2 and prevent invasion by Germany and Italy.
    Comments: This is an attractive Gem example of this handsome type. "Women with swords" is a fun collecting theme- they appear on coins of several nations.

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    015000S
     
    lordmarcovan, Nov 24, 2022
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  3. longnine009

    longnine009 Darwin has to eat too. Supporter

    Very nice. And 31mm is a good size.
     
    longnine009, Nov 24, 2022
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  4. Dave M

    Dave M Francophiliac

    I really like it. An allegory you don't need to be a historian to figure out, and a pretty lady; nicely balanced design. I gave it a 9 only because the reverse isn't particularly inspiring.
     
    Dave M, Nov 24, 2022
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  5. lordmarcovan

    lordmarcovan Eclectic & Eccentric Moderator

    I went 9 myself, and agree with everything you just mentioned.
     
    lordmarcovan, Nov 24, 2022
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  6. Rushmore

    Rushmore Coin Addict

    Love it. Would love to get one myself.
     
    Rushmore, Nov 24, 2022
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  7. Mountain Man

    Mountain Man Well-Known Member

    The depiction of Helvetica was very well done. Wish I could see a proof.
     
    Mountain Man, Nov 25, 2022
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  8. lordmarcovan

    lordmarcovan Eclectic & Eccentric Moderator

    Bet they’re lovely, if they issued any.
     
    lordmarcovan, Nov 25, 2022
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  9. ddddd

    ddddd Member

    7 from me...I like the obverse design but am a bit less impressed with the reverse (then again, it is not common to have two great sides, so I might be a bit harsh here). The somewhat crusty toning is also neutral for me (I would have been higher if it was blast white or nicely toned).
     
    ddddd, Nov 25, 2022
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  10. lordmarcovan

    lordmarcovan Eclectic & Eccentric Moderator

    It's whiter looking in hand- more like you see in my crude slab shots versus the TrueView images the others were based on.
    Turns out they did issue specimen strikes, but I couldn't find a picture of one.
     
    lordmarcovan, Nov 25, 2022
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  11. kazuma78

    kazuma78 Supporter! Supporter

    Glad you posted this one @lordmarcovan ! It's a great coin with a wonderful design. I love that she also has a broadsword. It's a really artistic and symbolic depiction with a great history. So happy it found its way into the eclectic box!
     
    kazuma78, Nov 25, 2022
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  12. FredJB

    FredJB Well-Known Member

    Gave this a 10 for both it's historical tradition of armed neutrality and the coin's eye appeal.
     
    FredJB, Nov 29, 2022
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