New special coin issue: Swissmint honours Switzerland's contribution to space travel with a silver coin
Bern, 08.06.2026 — With the new “ESA” special coin, Swissmint is honouring Switzerland's space programme and its contribution to European space exploration. The silver coin will be issued on 11 June 2026, and will showcase Switzerland's cooperation with the European Space Agency (ESA).
Swissmint produces exclusive limited-edition collector coins under the name “Swiss special coins”. The new special coin issue puts Switzerland's contribution to European space exploration in the spotlight.
Switzerland's contribution to European space exploration
The European Space Agency (ESA), which is based in Paris, is Europe's gateway to space. It coordinates and promotes the development of European space activities and ensures that the investments made in this area bring lasting benefits to all Europeans. It was founded in 1975 to make Europe technically and politically less dependent on the space-faring nations of the Soviet Union and the United States. The ESA currently has 23 member states, including Switzerland.
Switzerland is a founding member and participates in nearly all ESA programmes. The two Swiss-based companies Beyond Gravity and APCO Technologies supply components for the Ariane 6 programme.
The special coins bring our country's history and diversity to life
The new special coin showing Switzerland's contribution to the ESA is a 999 silver alloy. The CHF 20 special coin weighs 20g and has a diameter of 33mm.
The Earth, the Moon and Mars are depicted on the obverse. They are encircled by the words “European Space Agency” and “Elevating the future of Europe”, which is the motto of the ESA's “Strategy 2040”. The lower third of the obverse features a view of Europe from space. Switzerland lies at the centre of this image.
The reverse depicts the upper section of an Ariane 6 launch vehicle and the payload fairing developed and manufactured for this rocket by the Swiss company Beyond Gravity Switzerland. This fairing protects satellites from extreme thermal, acoustic and aerodynamic conditions. As soon as the launch vehicle has left Earth's atmosphere, the payload fairing splits in two and drifts away. APCO Technologies also supplies components for the launch vehicle, as well as essential ground equipment for its construction. Around the edge of the coin is the face value of CHF 20, the inscription “CONFOEDERATIO HELVETICA”, the minting year 2026 and the mint mark B for Swissmint.
The coin will be released in a limited issue comprising 8,000 coins in uncirculated quality with an issue price of CHF 65, and 3,500 coins in proof quality (the highest minting quality) with an issue price of CHF 110. It will be available from 11 June 2026 in Swissmint's official online shop.
Ariane 6 is an ESA programme funded by thirteen participating States, including Switzerland. Both the launcher, built by ArianeGroup, and the launch facilities, provided by CNES, benefit from contributions by Swiss industry. Arianespace is responsible for its commercialisation.
Each special coin is a miniature work of art
The Federal Mint Swissmint produces Swiss franc coins on behalf of the Swiss Confederation. These have been created in the heart of Switzerland since 1855, and in the popular Kirchenfeld district of Bern since 1906. Since 1936, Swissmint has also minted special coins to commemorate important historical and cultural events and to honour prominent figures. Each of these special coins is a miniature work of art in a unique tradition of artistry and craftsmanship.
Federal Mint Swissmint
The Federal Mint Swissmint produces the country's coins for use in everyday payment transactions. The Federal Mint also regularly issues commemorative coins and coinage of a higher standard for the numismatic market. Special coins in bimetal, silver or gold bear an official, state-guaranteed face value and are available in various minting qualities.