657) Alpine Carline Thistle: "Flora Alpina" Series: The third and last coin in the Series issued by the Federal Swiss-mint on 28th January 2018:
Stemline Carline Thistle (Carlina acualis):
The Stemless Carline Thistle is a type of thistle belonging to the Asteraceae family. The hardy, herbaceous plant has virtually nostem. Depending on location, it can grow to a height of 40 cm or thereabouts. The spiny, pinnatilobated leaves grow in a basal rosette. The underside of the leaves is bald to cobweb-like. It is one of the best known and most popular Alpine plants. Its prickly beauty, with its large silvery-white corona and disc florets, presents a popular photo-opportunity. The beautiful flower is a decorative highlight/show-stopper of many rock-gardens.
The Stemless Carline Thistle is common in Europe but is treated and protected as an endangered species in many countries. It prefers chalky soils and sparse pastures or lightly wooded areas at altitudes between 800 and 2,600 metres. Its flowering time is between July and October.
The Stemless Carline Thistle has a deep-reaching, poisonous taproot, which was previously used to cure many illnesses and was endorsed in veterinary medicine. The root is even said to have magical powers. Hanging the Carline Thistle's root around one's neck was believed to help against lumbago. Believing this to be true is known to be half the fight won against the disease. In some regions, people would eat the young, fleshy receptacles, which are similar to artichokes. As early as the Stone Age, the root was cooked and eaten as a winter vegetable.
The Stemless Carline Thistle is also known as the Weather Thistle. In the past, they were nailed on doors where they acted as natural weather stations. If an area of high pressure was developing, the flowers would open and when the weather was moist, they would close again.
The Commemorative Coin:
The Reverse of the 10 Francs coin shows an engraving of a Carline Thistle. The name of the flower is not inscribed. On the lower periphery is inscribed " FLORA ALPINA". Towards the centre right periphery is engraved the surname of the designer in full "Leibundgut".
The Obverse of the 10 Francs coin shows the name of the issuing country "CONFEDERATION HELVETICA" on the upper periphery and on the upper periphery of the centre-piece. The denomination of the coin "10 FR" is mentioned on the lower periphery/portion. The mint mark "B" of the issuing Berne Mint in below the numeral 10. The year of issue "2018" is engraved towards the lower centre of the right periphery.
The specifications of this coin are:
Denominational value:10 Swiss Francs; Date of issue: 25.01.2018; Coin image: Carline Thistle; Metallic composition: Outer Ring: Cupro-nickel- Inner piece: Aluminium Bronze; Diameter: 33.0 mm; Weight: 15.0 grams; Minted by: Berne Mint; Designer: Jenny Leibundgut; Coin Quality: Uncirculated; Mintage: 19,000 pieces.
The coin album in which the Uncirculated pieces of this coin issue are placed
The coin is also issued in the Proof Quality (2,750) pieces, Uncirculated Quality placed in a folder (1,000 pieces), Proof with the Artist's certificate (250 pieces). Other specifications of these coins are as described above.
The box in which the Proof Quality coins are housed/presented
An image of the Carline Thistle
Links to posts on Flora Alpina Series and other interesting posts from Switzerland on Coins and Banknotes:
2) Alpine Gentian: "Flora Alpine" Series: The Second Coin in the Series issued in January 2017
3) Alpine Carline Thistle: "Flora Alpine" Series: The Third and Final coin in the Series issued in January 2018
3) Alpine Carline Thistle: "Flora Alpine" Series: The Third and Final coin in the Series issued in January 2018
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