Shooting thaler

At left, the obverse of shooting thaler, showing a kneeling rifleman aiming to right, surrounded by the inscription EIDGENÖSSISCHES SCHÜTZENFEST IN LUZERN, with 1939 below. At right, the reverse, showing the words EINER FÜR ALLE, ALLE FÜR EINEN above the Lucerne coat of arms in the middle, with EINLÖSBAR BIS 31. AUGUST 1939 around the outer edge, and 5 FR at the bottom.
1939 Lucerne shooting thaler

A shooting thaler (/ˈʃuːtɪŋ tɑːlərz/ TAH-lərz; German: Schützentaler, French: Écu de tir) is a commemorative coin minted to commemorate one of the Schützenfest (French: Fête de tir) or free shooting (German: Freischiessen, French: Tir libre) tournaments held in various cantons within the Swiss Confederation. Most of the designs differ from their circulating counterparts, though the pieces issued for the shooting festivals in Geneva in 1851 and Solothurn in 1855 are exceptions. Most shooting thaler designs depict strongly cantonal or patriotic themes, such as historical military leaders or heraldry. The entire series can be distinguished from shooting medals by their adherence to the specifications of circulating coinage. All but the Stans and St. Gallen issues are denominated. Other countries have minted coins in honor of shooting festivals or marksmanship competitions, but only Swiss pieces are considered shooting thalers.

The first shooting thaler was issued for the Chur shooting festival in 1842 and is denominated at four francs. The second, issued for Glarus, has a face value of forty batzen. The third, minted for the shooting festival in Geneva, is denominated at ten francs. A total of eighteen designs were struck in the nineteenth century, concluding with the Bern issue of 1885. All those struck from 1855 to 1885 bear the denomination of five francs. Many nineteenth-century issues were also struck in various other metals besides silver, including gold and white metal, in small quantities. In 1934, a new series began production. This series, however, was cut short due to the outbreak of World War II. Another series of shooting thalers began mintage in 1984. The first coins issued in this new series were those minted for the festival at Oberhasli. Every year since has seen the mintage of two coins, each bearing the same design, one struck in silver, the other in gold. The only exceptions are the issues of Zürich and Sion in 1999, one of which was struck in copper–nickel, two in silver and two in gold. Until 1995, silver issues were denominated at fifty francs, while gold pieces were denominated at 1,000 francs. Later, gold issues were denominated at 500 francs, excepting only the Zürich issues of 1999.

History

At left, the obverse of the silver-colored thaler, featuring a standing soldier looking left, a rifle in his right hand, surrounded by the inscription TIR FEDERAL FRIBOURG 1934. At right, the reverse, showing an oval form of the Fribourg coat of arms encircled by laurel branches, with a crown above. Along the outer edge is the inscription BON DE 5Fr REMBOURSABLE AVANT LE 31 AOUT 1934, with 5 FR at the bottom.
1934 Fribourg shooting thaler. Reverse legend reads: BON DE 5Fr REMBOURSABLE AVANT LE 31 AOUT 1934 (English: Good for five francs reimbursable before August 31, 1934)

The first shooting thalers were cantonal pieces, minted by the sovereign cantons of Switzerland. All of these pieces, as well as the 1855 Solothurn issue, were strictly legal tender.[1] Nineteenth-century Confederation shooting thaler issues were minted to legal fineness, and were thus allowed to bear the denomination of five francs.[1] Beginning in 1865, Switzerland became a member of the Latin Monetary Union.[2] Shooting thalers were not included in the mintages authorized by the Union. Therefore, these issues are commonly considered semi-medallic, though they could circulate due to their size and weight being the same as that of the regular five franc issues.[1] This series of shooting thalers, following the standards of the Latin Monetary Union, began in 1855 with the Solothurn issue and ended in 1885 with the Bern issue.[1] In 1927, the Monetary Union ceased to exist.[2] Mintage began on a new series of shooting thalers in 1934 in honor of the shooting festival in Fribourg, and another design was issued in 1939 for the Lucerne festival. The 1934 issue was the last official shooting thaler that matched the circulating counterpart in both diameter and weight. The 1939 issues were not the same size and weight as their circulating counterparts, but both issues were redeemable only at the shooting festival or participating businesses.[1] Production of shooting thalers was cut short with the outbreak of World War II.[3] In 1984, a new series of shooting thalers began mintage, due largely to the efforts of California-based coin dealer Richard Nelson.[3] These issues, like those minted in 1934 and 1939, are not minted to legal fineness and are not considered legal tender.[1]

Mintage data and designs

19th-century Cantonal issues

Chur

Obverse of coin. A shield bearing the Swiss Cross in front of flags, branches and rifles. Above the shield is a crown with three feathers. A powder horn is suspended below. Inscription and date around outer edge.
Obverse
Reverse of coin. Three ovals, each depicting coats of arms. Above the ovals are two clasped hands emerging from clouds, surrounded by rays. Below are two intersected branches
Reverse
Chur specifications
Details Translation
Obverse EIDGENÖSSISCHES FREISCHIESSEN IN CHUR – 1842 Federal Free Shoot in Chur – 1842
Reverse CANTON GRAUBÜNDEN – 4 SCHWEIZER FRANKEN Canton of Graubünden – 4 Swiss francs
Edge EINTRACHT MACHT STARK Harmony is strength

Glarus

Obverse of coin. Coat of arms of Glarus in the center, encircled by oak and laurel. Inscription and date around the outer edge.
Obverse
Reverse of coin, with Swiss cross in the center, rifles and flags arrayed behind, above which are two clasped hands, denomination below. Around the outer edge are laurel branches.
Reverse
Glarus specifications
Details Translation
Obverse EIDGENÖSSISCHES FREYSCHIESSEN IN GLARUS – 1847 Federal Free Shoot in Glarus – 1847
Reverse 40 Btz. 40 batzen
Edge EINTRACHT MACHT STARK Harmony is strength

Geneva

Obverse of coin. "IHS" surrounded by rays, above the coat of arms of Geneva.
Obverse
Reverse of coin. A wreath of oak and laurel surrounding the date and denomination. Inscription around the outer edge.
Reverse
Geneva specifications
Details Translation
Obverse POST – TENEBRAS – LUX Light after darkness
Reverse REPUBLIC ET CANTON DE GENEVE – 10 FRANCS 1851 Republic and Canton of Geneva – 10 francs 1851
Edge None None

19th-century Swiss Confederation issues

Solothurn

Helvetia seated, holding shield bearing the Swiss Cross, pointing left. Legend above.
Obverse
Solothurn specifications
Inscription Translation
Obverse HELVETIA Switzerland
Reverse 5 Fr. 1855 5 francs 1855
Edge EIDGEN. FREISCHIESEN SOLOTHURN 1855 Federal free shoot Solothurn 1855

Bern

Legend surrounding rifleman in regalia.
Obverse
Rifles crossed over the Swiss Cross. The Swiss Cross is surrounded by rays encircled by a wreath of oak and laurel. Surrounded by legend and denomination.
Reverse
Bern specifications
Inscription Translation
Obverse EHRE IST MEIN HOECHSTES ZIEL Honor is my highest goal
Reverse EIDGENÖSSISCHES FREISCHIESSEN IN BERN 1857 – 5 FRANKEN Federal free shoot in Bern 1857 – 5 francs
Edge None None

Zürich

Legend surrounding standing rifleman. Date below.
Obverse
Legend above two rampant lions flanking three shields, one bearing the Swiss Cross. Denomination below.
Reverse
Zürich specifications
Inscription Translation
Obverse EIDGENÖSSISCHES FREISCHIESSEN – 1859 Federal free shoot – 1859
Reverse ZÜRICH – 5 FRANKEN Zürich – 5 francs
Edge None None

Stans

Legend surrounding Arnold Winkelried falling on the pikes of Habsburg soldiers.
Obverse
Swiss Cross surrounded by rays. Legend along edge.
Reverse
Stans specifications
Inscription Translation
Obverse ARNOLD WINKELRIED Arnold Winkelried
Reverse EIDGENÖSSISCHES SCHÜTZENFEST IN NIDWALDEN – 1861 Federal shooting festival in Nidwalden – 1861
Edge None None

La Chaux-de-Fonds

Helvetia seated, pointing left, holding Swiss shield. Legend above, denomination below.
Obverse
Crossed standards and rifles intertwined with wreath. Coat of arms of canton of Neuchâtel superimposed. Radiant Swiss cross above. Legend and date along edge.
Reverse
La Chaux-de-Fonds specifications
Inscription Translation
Obverse HELVETIA – 5 FRANCS Switzerland – 5 francs
Reverse TIR FEDERAL A LA CHAUX-DE-FONDS – JÚILLET 1863 Federal shoot in La Chaux-de-Fonds – July 1863
Edge None None

Schaffhausen

Helvetia seated, holding wreath. Boy holding an apple shot through by arrow, to right of Helvetia.
Obverse
Coat of arms of canton of Schaffhausen superimposed over Swiss cross. Legend and date along edge. Denomination at bottom.
Reverse
Schaffhausen specifications
Inscription Translation
Obverse None None
Reverse EIDGENÖSSISCHES SCHÜTZENFEST IN SCHAFFHAUSEN 1865 – 5 Fr. Federal shooting festival in Schaffhausen 1865 – 5 francs
Edge None None

Schwyz

Rampant lion, holding sword, supporting shield. Lion's right back paw standing on a quiver of arrows. Legend on either side of lion.
Obverse
Weapons and standards crossed behind Swiss shield, wreath below. Legend and date along edge. Denomination at bottom.
Reverse
Schwyz specifications
Inscription Translation
Obverse KANTON SCHWYZ Canton of Schwyz
Reverse EIDGENÖSSISCHES SCHÜTZENFEST IN SCHWYZ 1867 – 5 Fr. Federal shooting festival in Schwyz 1867 – 5 francs
Edge None None

Zug

Hans Landwing, in full military dress, holding standard aloft in left hand, battle axe in right. Legend and date along edge. "1422" in exurge.
Obverse
Feathered cap over two shields, superimposed over crossed rifles and wreath of oak and laurel. Legend along edge, denomination at bottom.
Reverse
Zug specifications
Inscription Translation
Obverse HANS LANDWING RETTET DAS PANNER BEI ARBEDO – 1422 Hans Landwing saves the banner at Arbedo – 1422
Reverse EIDGENÖSSISCHES SCHÜTZENFEST 1869 IN ZUG – 5 Fr. Federal shooting festival 1869 in Zug – 5 francs
Edge None None

Zürich

Helvetia standing, holding wreath aloft in left hand, supporting coat of arms of Zürich in right. Gears and crops at feet. Legend along edge.
Obverse
Swiss shield superimposed over fasces, crossed rifles and banner reading "ALLE FÜR EINEN – EINER FÜR ALLE", translated as "all for one, one for all". Surrounded by wreath of oak and laurel. Legend and date along edge. Denomination below.
Reverse
Zürich specifications
Inscription Translation
Obverse FÜR FREIHEIT UND VATERLAND For freedom and the fatherland
Reverse EIDGENÖSSISCHES SCHÜTZENFEST IN ZÜRICH 1872 – 5 Fr. Federal shooting festival in Zürich 1872 – 5 francs
Edge None None

St. Gallen

Bearded general, kneeling, holding standard in left hand, holding sword aloft and pointing toward the sun. "1474 A 1476" in exurge.
Obverse
Coat of arms of St. Gallen superimposed over crossed rifles and wreath of oak and laurel. Swiss cross above, city view behind. Legend along top edge. Date below, in exurge.
Reverse
St. Gallen specifications
Inscription Translation
Obverse 1474 A 1476 1474 to 1476
Reverse EIDGENÖSS. SCHÜTZENFEST IN ST. GALLEN – 1874 Federal shooting festival in St. Gallen – 1874
Edge None None

Lausanne

Two allegorical females shake hands, one holding goblet. Behind the females are standards, fasces, shields, grape vines and scenery. At their feet are the dates of 1839 and 1876. Legend along edge above, denomination in exurge below.
Obverse
City view of Lausanne. Legend and date above.
Reverse
Lausanne specifications
Inscription Translation
Obverse POUR ETRE FORTS SOYONS UNIS – 5 F Let us be strong and united – 5 francs
Reverse TIR FÉDÉRAL DE 1876 LAUSANNE Federal shoot of 1876 Lausanne
Edge None None

Basel

Front–facing male in regalia, holding long sword. Legend along edge.
Obverse
Cockatrice in center surrounded by legend and date. Denomination below. Shields of the Swiss cantons along edge.
Reverse
Basel specifications
Inscription Translation
Obverse DAS SCHWERT ZUR HAND IM HERZEN GOTT SO WIRD D. SCHWEIZER NIE Z. SPOTT With sword in his hand and God in his heart, so will the Swiss never be disgraced
Reverse EIDG. SCHÜTZENFEST IN BASEL 1879 – 5 Fr. Federal shooting festival in Basel 1879 – 5 francs
Edge None None

Fribourg

Two seated soldiers, one wielding crossbow and one battle axe, supporting shields below standing Helvetia holding Swiss flag. Legend along edge, "1481" in exurge.
Obverse
Swiss cross above city view of Fribourg. Legend and date along edge, denomination at bottom.
Reverse
Fribourg specifications
Inscription Translation
Obverse ENTRÉE DE FRIBOURG & SOLEURE DANS LA CONFÉDÉRATION SUISSE – 1481 Entry of Fribourg and Solothurn into the Swiss Confederation – 1481
Reverse TIR FÉDÉRAL À FRIBOURG 1881 – 5 Fr Federal shoot in Fribourg 1881 – 5 francs
Edge None None

Lugano

Seated Helvetia and nude man. Helvetia is holding a sword and shield bearing the Swiss cross; nude man is holding a lyre. The figures are seated above a stone tunnel with train emerging. Legend along edge at top, denomination at bottom.
Obverse
Coat of arms of Lugano superimposed over rifles, standard and laurel branches. Shooting cap above. View of lake to right. Legend and year within banner above.
Reverse
Lugano specifications
Inscription Translation
Obverse LIBERTADE INERME É DE' TIRANNI AGEVOL PREDA – 5 Fr. Defenseless liberty is easy prey for tyrants – 5 francs
Reverse TIRO FEDERALE IN LUGANO 1883 Federal shoot in Lugano 1883
Edge None None

Bern

Standing Helvetia holding sword and shield, bear behind. Legend along edge.
Obverse
Coat of arms of Bern superimposed over crossed rifles and wreaths. Swiss cross above. Legend and date along edge, denomination below.
Reverse
Bern specifications
Inscription Translation
Obverse DEM BUND ZUM SCHUTZ DEM FEIND ZUM TRUTZ The Federation to protect, the enemy to defy
Reverse EIDGENÖSSISCHES SCHÜTZENFEST IN BERN 1885 – 5 Fr. Federal shooting festival in Bern 1885 – 5 francs
Edge None None

20th- and 21st-century Swiss Confederation issues

Later thalers with event location and year, showing denomination, metal, number struck and Standard Catalog of World Coins reference number
Location Date Denomination Coinage metal Mintage[22] KM number Haberling number
Fribourg 1934 5 francs Silver 40,650 S18 H20a
Fribourg 1934 100 francs Gold 2,000 S19 H21
Lucerne 1939 5 francs Silver 40,000 S20 H22
Lucerne 1939 100 francs Gold 6,000 S21 H23
Oberhasli 1984 50 francs Silver 6,300 S22 H24a & H24b
Oberhasli 1984 1,000 francs Gold 300 S23 H25
Altdorf 1985 50 francs Silver 3,500 S24 H26a
Altdorf 1985 1,000 francs Gold 300 S25 H27
Appenzell 1986 50 francs Silver 3,700 S26 H28a
Appenzell 1986 1,000 francs Gold 300 S27 H29
Glarus 1987 50 francs Silver 3,200 S28 H1a
Glarus 1987 1,000 francs Gold 300 S29 H32
Brugg 1988 50 francs Silver 3,000 S30 H33a & H33b
Brugg 1988 1,000 francs Gold 400 S31 H34
Menzingen 1989 50 francs Silver 2,200 S32 H36a & H36b
Menzingen 1989 1,000 francs Gold 250 S33 H37
Winterthur 1990 50 francs Silver 5,000 S34 H39a
Winterthur 1990 1,000 francs Gold 400 S35 H40a
Langenthal 1991 50 francs Silver 4,000 S38 H41a
Langenthal 1991 1,000 francs Gold 400 S39 H42a
Dielsdorf 1992 50 francs Silver 1,750 S40 H43a & H43b
Dielsdorf 1992 1,000 francs Gold 175 S41 H44
Weinfelden 1993 50 francs Silver 2,200 S42 H45a
Weinfelden 1993 1,000 francs Gold 200 S43 H46
Rorschach 1994 50 francs Silver 2,200 S44 H47a
Rorscach 1994 1,000 francs Gold 200 S45 H48
Thun 1995 50 francs Silver 5,000 S46 H49a
Thun 1995 500 francs Gold 500 S47 H50
Sempach 1996 50 francs Silver 1,500 S48 H51a
Sempach 1996 500 francs Gold 96 S49 H52
Neuhausen am Rheinfall 1997 50 francs Silver 1,500 S50 H53a
Neuhausen am Rheinfall 1997 500 francs Gold 97 S51 H54
Schwyz 1998 50 francs Silver 1,500 S52 H55
Schwyz 1998 500 francs Gold 98 S53 H56a
Zürich 1999 5 francs Copper–Nickel 2,500 S54 H57
Zürich 1999 20 francs Silver 1,000 S55 H58
Sion 1999 50 francs Silver 1,500 S57 H60
Zürich 1999 200 francs Gold 100 S56 H59
Sion 1999 500 francs Gold 99 S58 H61a
Bière 2000 50 francs Silver 3,500 S59 H62
Bière 2000 500 francs Gold 300 S60 H63a
Altdorf, Uri 2001 50 francs Silver 1,500 S61 H64
Altdorf, Uri 2001 500 francs Gold 150 S62 H65a
Zürich 2002 50 francs Silver 1,500 S63 H66
Zürich 2002 500 francs Gold 150 S64 H67a
Liestal 2003 50 francs Silver 1,500 S65 H68
Liestal 2003 500 francs Gold 150 S66 H69a
Fribourg 2004 50 francs Silver 1,500 S67 H70a & H70b
Fribourg 2004 500 francs Gold 150 S68 H71a
Brusio 2005 50 francs Silver 1,500 S69 H72a & H72b
Brusio 2005 500 francs Gold 150 S70 H73
Solothurn 2006 50 francs Silver 2,000 S71 H74a
Solothurn 2006 500 francs Gold 200 S72 H75a & H75b
Lucerne 2007 50 francs Silver 2,000 S73 H77a
Lucerne 2007 500 francs Gold 200 S74 H78
Geneva 2008 50 francs Silver 1,500 S75 H79a
Geneva 2008 500 francs Gold 150 S76 H80a
Obwalden 2009 50 francs Silver 1,500 S77 H81a
Obwalden 2009 500 francs Gold 175 S78 H82a
Aarau 2010 50 francs Silver 2,000 S79 H83a
Aarau 2010 500 francs Gold 200 S80 H84a
Uri 2011 50 francs Silver 1,500 - H85a
Uri 2011 500 francs Gold 150 - H86a
Graubünden[23] 2012 50 francs Silver 1,500 - H87a & H87b
Graubünded[23] 2012 500 francs Gold 175 - H88a & H88b
Lucerne[23] 2013 50 francs Silver 1,000 - H89a
Lucerne[23] 2013 500 francs Gold 150 - H90a
Schaffhausen 2014 50 francs Silver 1,200 - H91a
Schaffhausen 2014 500 francs Gold 180 - H92a
Valais[24] 2015 50 francs Silver 1,200 - H93a
Valais[24] 2015 500 francs Silver 200 - H94a

Etymology

Though no coins denominated as thalers were officially issued within the Swiss Confederation, many coins measuring between 30 and 40 millimeters have been given the name unofficially due to the similarity in size to German and Austrian thalers.[25]

Shooting medals

The first shooting medals were struck in honor of the Officers' Shoot held in Langenthal, Bern, in 1822.[26] They can usually be distinguished from shooting thalers by their lack of denomination and difference in weight and often composition, though there is evidence that many of thaler-size did circulate amongst the legal tender coins of Switzerland.[25] Shooting medals were minted in a variety of metals, including silver, bronze, goldene and white metal.[26]

Other countries

Though not considered shooting thalers, some other European coin-issuing entities have minted coins to honor or promote shooting festivals that took place within their territory. Examples include the German States of Baden,[27] Bremen,[28] Frankfurt am Main[29] and Hanover,[30] as well as the Swiss canton of Vaud.[17]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Bruce, p. 455
  2. 1 2 Kenen, Peter B. & Meade, Ellen E. (2008). Regional Monetary Integration Cambridge, United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0-521-86250-7
  3. 1 2 Searis, BJ. "Swiss Shooting Thalers". Professional Coin Grading Service. Retrieved 2015-02-27.
  4. 1 2 Richter, p. 161
  5. 1 2 Richter, p. 156
  6. 1 2 Richter, p. 113
  7. 1 2 Richter, p. 209
  8. 1 2 Richter, p. 60
  9. ↑ Richter, p. 299
  10. 1 2 Richter, p. 193
  11. 1 2 Richter, p. 180
  12. 1 2 Richter, p. 199
  13. ↑ Richter, p. 202
  14. 1 2 Richter, p. 293
  15. 1 2 Richter, p. 301
  16. ↑ Richter, p. 215
  17. 1 2 3 Richter, p. 274
  18. 1 2 Richter, p. 45
  19. ↑ Richter, p. 93
  20. ↑ Richter, p. 245
  21. 1 2 Richter, p. 62
  22. ↑ Bruce, pp. 456–460
  23. 1 2 3 4 "Swiss shooting taler available". Coin World. Retrieved 2015-02-27.
  24. 1 2 "Swiss shooting talers for 2015 mark festival in Wallis (Valais)". Coin World. Retrieved 2015-02-27.
  25. 1 2 Krause, p. 10
  26. 1 2 Krause, p. 11
  27. ↑ Krause & Mishler, p. 355
  28. ↑ Krause & Mishler, p. 373
  29. ↑ Krause & Mishler, p. 383
  30. ↑ Bruce, p. 155

Bibliography

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