Saint Nick Strikes Silver: Swissmint’s Festive Coin is Pure Christmas Cheer
Forget milk and cookies—this .999 fine silver coin is the ultimate treat for the Samichlaus fan in your life!
On December 6, Switzerland comes alive with a festive pre-Christmas spirit as Samichlaus (St. Nicholas) processions light up streets across the country. To celebrate, the Swissmint is offering a beautifully detailed 2024 .99 fine silver 20-franc coin honoring this cherished tradition.
The celebration of Saint Nicholas, known locally as Samichlaus, is a tradition observed annually on December 6th. On this day, Samichlaus, donned in a red robe reminiscent of a bishop's attire, often accompanied by his helper Schmutzli, visits children to reward good behavior with treats such as nuts, mandarins, and chocolates. This custom marks the beginning of the festive season across the country.
A highlight of these celebrations is the various Samichlaus processions held in different regions, each with its unique customs.
Klausjagen in Küssnacht am Rigi is perhaps the most renowned procession. This event takes place on the eve of December 5th. The procession features up to 200 'Iffelen'—intricately crafted, illuminated headpieces resembling stained-glass windows—carried through the streets. Participants include Trychler (cowbell ringers) and Geisselchlöpfer (whip-crackers), creating a vibrant and noisy spectacle intended to drive away evil spirits.
During Fribourg's Saint Nicholas Parade, up to 30,000 people follow Saint Nicholas on horseback, accompanied by torchbearers, brass bands, and choirs, through the old town's illuminated streets. The procession concludes at St. Nicholas Cathedral, where the saint delivers a speech reflecting on the past year and promoting community values.
Zurich's Samichlaus Parade is held annually on the last Sunday of November. This parade features numerous individuals dressed as Samichlaus, distributing sweets to children along Bahnhofstrasse, marking the onset of the Advent season.
These processions are more than mere spectacles; they are deeply rooted in Swiss culture, fostering community spirit and preserving traditions passed down through generations. They offer a glimpse into Switzerland's rich heritage and the communal joy that characterizes the festive season.
Swissmint’s design captures the ethos of this heartwarming celebration. As Jan Niklas Betz, Swissmint’s deputy general manager and head of marketing, notes, "The festive period and especially Samichlaus Day are a time of togetherness and magic for young and old in Switzerland. Our aim with this coin is to create our own little Christmas miracle and put a smile on people’s faces."
This coin is a perfect tribute to the holiday season and encapsulates the legacy of Switzerland’s treasured tale of Samichlaus.
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Kele Johnson is the Editor of Kovels Antique Trader magazine and the Digital Content Editor of Active Interest Media's Collectibles Group. Her captivation with collectibles began at a young age while dusting her mother’s McCoy pottery collection. She admits to a fondness for mid-century ceramics, uranium glass, and ancient coin hoards. Kele has a degree in archaeology and has been researching, writing, and editing in the collectibles field for many years. Reach her at kelejohnson@aimmedia.com.
