Starting in Wittenberg, 500 years ago Europe was in the grip of the Reformation, which led to cultural, social and political upheaval which still has an impact today. In Switzerland, due to the action of Ulrich Zwingli and John Calvin, the Reformation became an important catalyst on the road to the modern age, democracy and human rights. Like in the rest of Europe, the anniversary of the Reformation is also being celebrated in Switzerland. But it is not a celebration of Martin Luther's thesis, which according to tradition saw the light of day in Wittenberg in 1517. It is far more about the Reformation as a movement whose cultural, social and political potency still has an impact 500 years later. The main focus of the anniversary is the question of what the Reformation means for today's generation and those of tomorrow, and not a return to a mystical date in time. This brings the achievements of the Reformation into the spotlight without forgetting the drawbacks and puts it into the service of ecumenical commitment. On the occasion of the "500 Years of Reformation" anniversary, Swissmint is issuing a 20-franc silver commemorative coin. This was designed by the graphic artist Ben Pfäffli from Burgdorf. Further information is available at www.ref-500.ch.

Each year, the unique Alpine flora attracts countless visitors to the mountains. The mountain spring is particularly impressive. While the last snowfields gradually melt away, plants are blossoming and sprouting wherever you look. Particularly eye-catching in this display of colour is the deep blue of the gentian. Together with the edelweiss and Alpine rose, it is one of the most popular Alpine flowers. This is commonly understood to mean the "stemless gentian", of which there are several subspecies. The most well known are the frequently occurring species Clusius' gentian (gentiana clusii or limestone gentian) and Koch's gentian (gentian acaulis or silicaceous gentian). Gentian is a plant species from the gentian family (gentianaceae). The 300 to 400 plant species which are found almost all over the world are predominantly indigenous to the temperate climate zones of the northern hemisphere and also the Andes. The gentian decorates the second commemorative coin in the three-part FLORA ALPINA series. Again, it is the graphic artist Jenny Leibundgut, from Bern, who designed the new 10-franc bimetallic coin.

The new commemorative coins are available from 26 January 2017 as limited editions at www.swissmintshop.ch, as well from some coin dealers and banks. At the same time, the annual circulation coin sets will also appear. Alongside the classic coin sets and the baby coin set, a birthday coin set will be issued this year for the first time. The colourful, illustrated slipcase makes it a cherished birthday present which will go down well with all ages.

The 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. Coins in bimetal, silver and gold bear an official nominal value and are available in various minting qualities. Swissmint is also the official authority for public and private clients seeking authenticity checks and expert opinions.

New Swiss commemorative coins: "Gentian" and "500 Years of Reformation"