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Swiss 5 Franc Silver Coin for the 160th Anniversary of First Climb of the Matterhorn
The distinctive shape of the Matterhorn, an almost perfect symmetrical pyramid, makes it one of the most famous mountains in the world. Located on the border of Switzerland and Italy, where it is called Monte Cervino, it is one of the world’s most challenging climbs. It is a struggle even for the most experienced mountaineers, and more than 500 mountaineers have died trying to scale it. Its height of 14,692 feet makes it one of the highest mountains in Europe, and it was not until 1865, when a group of seven led by Edward Whymper, an English mountaineer, explorer, illustrator, and author, reached the summit.
To mark the 160th anniversary of that historic climb, Switzerland is issuing a special 1-ounce silver coin with a mintage limited to 1,865 pieces. The mountain is sculpted in ultra-high relief of up to 3.5 mm, capturing the Matterhorn in breathtaking detail. The detailed embossing brings the Matterhorn to life – you can almost hear the wind howling around its massive mountain structure.
Obverse: Features an intricate three-dimensional engraving of the Matterhorn with the seven climbers who attempted the first ascent on July 14, 1865, dressed in historical mountaineering gear. The inscription "Matterhorn" is prominently displayed along with the denomination 50 CHF and "CONFŒDERATIO HELVETICA " in a “coin within a coin” configuration.
Reverse: Displays an ultra-high relief engraving of the Matterhorn, giving the mountain a striking three-dimensional appearance. The surrounding landscape is detailed in the background with a topographic map, including notable locations such as Zermatt.
The rim inscription is Whymper’s words: “At 1:40 PM the world was at our feet and the Matterhorn was conquered. Hurrah! Not a footstep could be seen.”
Packaging: Comes in a protective case along with the Certificate of Authenticity.
Specifications:
Country: Switzerland
Denomination: 5 Francs
Year: 2025
Weight: 1 oz
Diameter: 38.61 mm
Material: Silver, colored
Fineness: 0.9999
Mintage: 1,865 pieces
Issue date: June 25, 2025
 Image from The Ascent of the Matterhorn by Edward Whymper. London. John Murray, 1880
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