Swissmint

Swissmint (formerly the Federal Mint ) in Bern is the official mint of Switzerland. It operates under the Federal Finance Administration, their main task is to strike coins in circulation for daily payments. In addition, it produces commemorative coins, commemorative coins and medals. Other objects of the Swissmint are the distribution of collector coins, the destruction of soiled, worn or damaged coins and checking the authenticity of suspected coins. Seat Swissmint is a building designed by Theodor Gohl and 1906 put into use building in Bern Church 's field headquarters. As a heritage of national importance, it is a listed building.

History

1850 led founded two years earlier Swiss State the Swiss franc as the single currency. Since a suitable production facility was missing, the coins were first minted in France. 1855 presented the Canton of Bern after lengthy negotiations, a 17 years are no longer used mint on Gerber ditch available. This neoclassical building on the southern edge of the old town was created 1790-1792 according to the plans of the French architect Jacques- Denis Antoine; construction management had then held Niklaus Sprüngli. Add the mint stamps was also produced in addition to coins; also the Swiss Federal Verification was housed here.

The mint at the Gerber ditch proved over time to be too small, which is why the Directorate of Federal buildings in the 1890s began planning a new building. In 1902, the federal government of the opening up of society Berne Land Company land in the Church 's field headquarters. A new building, designed by Theodor Gohl was completed in May 1906 after nearly three years of construction. The final inspection was performed on July 2, 1906, the Federal Council fully present. The old mint, 1891 passed into the possession of the federal government, in 1910 sold to the Bellevue Hotel AG. This left demolish the building in 1911; in its place was built until 1913, a new building of the Hotel Bellevue Palace.

From 1855 to 1930, the Federal Mint was also responsible for the production of stamps. The responsibility was 1931 at the PTT administration, the production took place until 1966 but continues in the premises of the mint. Up to the conversion of the coin alloy of silver on copper-nickel in 1967 put the mint the roundels ( coin blanks ) itself forth, but then gave it due to capacity and profitability reasons. The production of stamping tools (punch ) will continue to be here. On 1 January 1998, the Federal Mint acquired a new status and a new name Swissmint. She is now an independent unit of the Federal Finance Administration with a performance mandate and global budget.

Building

The Swissmint building stands in the church field headquarters between Bernastrasse and Aegertenstrasse. In the immediate vicinity are the Swiss Federal Archives, the gymnasium Church field, the Swiss National Library and the Natural History Museum of Bern civic community.

Built by Theodor Gohl the Neo-Renaissance building is rectangular and has a courtyard, the building consists of bright red bricks with cornices and decorative elements of sandstone, limestone and gneiss. Also, the basement consists of these natural stones. Half-columns and pilasters decorate the central projection above the main portal. In addition to warp a segmental arch, which encloses a cartridge with the Swiss cross. Another ornament relief medallions are by Giuseppe Chiattone. In the workshop Mascarons wings adorn the segmental arches of the ground floor window.