07 Apr Swissmint Honours Friedrich Dürrenmatt
Friedrich Dürrenmatt (1989). Photo: Elke Wetzig (elya) / CC BY-SA 3.0
In January 2021, the Federal Mint Swissmint launched a new commemorative coin for coin collectors, enthusiasts and fans. Friedrich Dürrenmatt, one of the most successful German-language writers, who would have celebrated his hundredth birthday this year, is being honored with a silver coin.
Playwright, story-teller, essayist and artist, Friedrich Dürrenmatt was born on 5th January 1921 in Konolfingen near Bern and died on 14th December 1990 in Neuchâtel. Dürrenmatt began his studies in literature, philosophy and natural science in 1941. It was during this time that he produced his first literary texts, as well as ink drawings and paintings. In 1946, he abandoned his studies after deciding to become a writer. He is most famous for his plays “The Visit” and “The Physicists”, and the crime novels “The Judge and his Hangman” and “The Pledge”.
Switzerland / 20 Swiss francs / .835 silver / 20 g / 33 mm / Design: Remo Mascherini / Mintage: 15,000 (uncirculated), 5,000 (proof).
His work has been translated into over 40 languages and has received numerous prizes, making him one of the most successful German-speaking writers of international renown. His paintings and drawings, which are curated by the Centre Dürrenmatt Neuchâtel, are somewhat less famous. By issuing the 20-franc silver coin on the occasion of Friedrich Dürrenmatt’s 100th birthday, Swissmint is honoring this outstanding Swiss writer and artist for his art and literary work.
Other Things You Might Be Interested in:
You can find more information on the coin on the Swissmint website.
If you are not familiar with Dürrenmatt’s life and work, check out his Wikipedia article.
In this article you find the Switzerland’s complete coin programme of 2021.
If you’re a collector of Swiss coins, have a look at our online database Cosmos of Collectibles, where you can find all Swiss circulation coins since 1850!
There you can also find Swiss commemorative coins.
