A Switzerland 5 Francs (90% Silver, 1850–1928) contains 0.7234 troy oz of pure silver, worth $39.10 at today's spot price.
Switzerland struck its large 5 franc coin in 90% silver from 1850 to 1928, in three designs. In 1931 the coin was made smaller and lighter, with less silver.
Melt values use these spot prices (US dollars):
- Silver $54.05 per troy oz Current quote · Quote time Oct 24, 2:40 AM EDT
Some prices could not be refreshed recently and may be out of date.
Melt value is the metal content at spot price, not a buy or sell price. Collectible coins can be worth much more. For reference only.
Specifications
| Years | 1850–1928 |
|---|---|
| Face value | 5 Francs |
| Composition | 90% silver |
| Gross weight | 25 g |
| Fineness | .900 (90%) |
| Pure metal | 0.7234 troy oz (22.5 g) |
How the melt value is worked out
Melt value is the pure silver in the coin multiplied by the spot price. We use the coin's standard minted weight; worn coins weigh slightly less.
-
25 g × .900 fine ÷ 31.1035 g per troy oz = 0.7234 troy oz
0.7234 troy oz × $54.05 spot = $39.10
How to identify it
- Seated Helvetia (1850–1874): Helvetia sits with the Swiss shield, mountains behind her; the reverse has 5 Fr. and the date in a wreath. Mint marks are A (Paris), B (Bern) and B. with a dot (Brussels).
- Head of Helvetia (1888–1916): a woman's head facing left in a tiara of alpine roses, with the Swiss shield in a wreath and 5 F and B on the reverse.
- Herdsman (1922–1928): Paul Burkhard's bust of a curly-haired herdsman, often taken for William Tell, with the Swiss shield on the reverse.
- Herdsman coins dated 1931 or later are smaller and hold less silver. The large head and herdsman coins have DOMINUS PROVIDEBIT and stars on the edge.
Melt value vs. collector value
Common herdsman dates such as 1923, 1925 and 1926 are the most likely to trade near melt. The seated Helvetia coins, the 1896 and 1900 head of Helvetia and the 1928 herdsman are scarce and sell well above melt.