585) St Bernard "Barry" (1800-1812): A 50 Franc Gold Coin issued by the Swiss Federal Mint, Switzerland, honouring the life and deeds of this famous dog: Coin issues date: 14.09.2017:
The Swiss Federal Mint has issued a gold coin which commemorates the famed mountain dogs from St. Bernard, who are a familiar sight in many parts of the Alpine nation, as well as, remembering the services of one particular dog - Barry.
In the 11th Century, Canons Regular of Saint Augustine founded a hospice as a refuge for travellers and pilgrims on the 2,469 metre (about 8,100 feet) Great Saint Bernard Pass.
Large mountain dogs have been kept at the hospice since the mid-17th century to guard and protect those staying there.
The first visual evidence of the presence of mountain dogs at the hospice dates back to 1695, and the first written document is a hospice memo from the year 1707.
The dogs were rapidly adopted as "companion dogs" and also as "rescue dogs" for travellers who lost their way in the snow and mist. The dogs from the Great saint Bernard Pass saved the lives of hundreds of people.
The reputation of the Saint Bernards (then called "Barry dogs") grew throughout Europe in the 19th Century, thanks to chronicles published in many languages and reports passed by word of mouth from the soldiers who had crossed the pass with Napoleon Bonaparte in 1800.
One particular dog - the legendary Saint Bernard "Barry" -lived at the hospice from 1800 to 1812. This famous dog saved the lives of over 40 persons , and over the years, numerous folk-lores were linked to his heroic tales by families of the grateful persons he had saved and travellers . These stories have contributed greatly to the reputation of Saint Bernard dogs, in addition to Barry's own legend.
The 50 Francs Gold Coin depicting Barry together with his trusty cask of brandy just under his chin (traditionally worn around the neck).In the background is the Great Saint Bernard Pass at the Italy-Switzerland border
Switzerland's Natural History Museum in Bern has devoted a special exhibition to the stuffed, original Barry and the stories of his heroic deeds. The Barry Foundation in Martigny attests to the continued existence of the original Saint Bernard dogs.
The Swiss Treasury and National Bank have authorised the issue of this gold coin, in the memory of this brave dog, whose exploits were the stuff of legends.
The Commemorative 50 Francs Gold Coin:
The Reverse of the 50 Francs Gold Coin shows Barry, together with his trusty cask of brandy just under his chin (traditionally worn around the neck), with the inscription "BARRY" on the lower right periphery. In the background is the hospice on the Great Saint Bernard Pass at the Italy-Switzerland border.
The Obverse of the 50 Frances Gold Coin shows the name of the issuing authority "CONFOEDERATIO HELVETICA", the year of issue "2017" and the denomination of the coin "50 FR". The "B" mint mark of the Bern mint is below the numeral "50".
The specifications of this coin are:
Denomination: 50 Francs; Metallic Composition: .900 Gold (Au); Weight: 11.29 grams; Diameter/Size: 25.0 mm; Coin Quality: Proof; Maximum Mintage: 4,500 pieces; Designer: Maya Delaquis; Coins with artist's certificate: 200 pieces. Minted
The box in which this coin is being housed together with the Certificate of Authenticity
Links to other interesting posts from Switzerland on Coins and Banknotes:
Links to other interesting posts from Switzerland on Coins and Banknotes:
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