2160) "Morteratsch Glacier", Switzerland: Swiss Glaciers Coin Series": First Coin in a three Coin series being issued by the Swissmint: A 10 Francs Bimetallic Coin depicts the Glacier: Date/Year of Coin issue: 13.01.2022:
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Morteratsch Glacier:
The Morteratsch Glacier is the largest glacier by area in the Bernina Range of the .The Morteratsch Glacier (or "Vadret da Morteratsch") is one of the larger glaciers in the Alps and the largest in the Bernina Range of the Bündner Alps in Switzerland, in the canton of Graubünden. It is just after the Pasterze Glacier and Gepatschferner, the third largest and by volume (1.2 km3) the most massive glacier in the Eastern Alps.
The Morteratsch Glacier is a typical valley glacier with a pronounced ice front. The accumulation zone lies between the peaks of Piz Morteratsch, Piz Bernina, Crast' Agüzza, Piz Argient, Piz Zupò and Bellavista. From Piz Argient to the ice front in the Val Morteratsch, its horizontal extent is less than ~6 km (3.7 mi), with an altitude difference of up to 2,000 m (6,600 ft).
Together with the Pers Glacier, originating at Piz Palü, which joins the Morteratsch just below the rock formation "Isla Persa" ("Lost Isle"), it covered an area of over 16 km2 (6.2 sq mi). The volume of the ice is estimated to be about 1.2 km3.
It reached its peak extension during the "Little Ice Age" of the mid-19th century.
Since then it has receded by about three kilometres in length, shrinking by about 40 metres a year.
Meltwater flowing down has caused several caves to form under the glacier tongue, the end of the ice stream.
In earlier times, the Morteratsch glacier stretched down into the valley, which is why it is also referred to as a valley glacier. Today, the glacier is still around 6.4km long and covers an area of 14.9km2.
Climate change means that most of the world's glaciers are retreating. Efforts are therefore underway to stop glaciers shrinking, e.g. by covering the ice surface during the warm season.
The Morteratsch Glacier drains into the "Ova da Morteratsch", which eventually flows into the Inn and hence via the Danube into the Black Sea.
In spring, depending on the snow conditions, a 10-km-long ski-run accessible to skilled skiers is marked on the glacier.
The Morteratsch railway station was situated directly at the ice front of the glacier. The ice front has receded by over 3,000 metres and can no longer be seen from the station.
Yearly length change measurements have been recorded since 1878.
For the period upto 1998, the overall retreat was over 1.8 km (1.1 mi) with a mean annual retreat rate of approximately 17.2 m (56 ft) per year. This long-term average has markedly increased in recent years, receding 30 m (98 ft) per year from 1999–2005.
Substantial retreat was ongoing through 2006-2011 as well, and during the last ten years, it lost another 1 kilometre (0.62 mi).
The Coin:
The Coin will be available in a limited edition in both Uncirculated (U) and Proof (P) quality. The design was created by Swissmint engraver Remo Mascherini.
The specifications of this Bimetallic Coin are:
Country of issue: Switzerland; Year: 2022; Denomination/Face Value: 10 Francs; Metal Composition: Copper-nickel and Aluminium Bronze; Coin Quality: Proof (P) and Uncirculated (U); Mint: SwissMint, Switzerland; Mintage: Proof 2,250 pieces (P), Proof with Certificate from the designer 250 pieces, Uncirculated 10,800; Designer: Remo Mascherini.
The Coin is included in the purchase but will not come in a folder.
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20) 200 Franc Banknote issued by the Swiss National Bank, Switzerland on 12.09.2019: Sixth and last of the six Banknotes in the Ninth Banknote Series released by the Bank in a phased manner
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25) Microscopic Art, Switzerland: A set of two stamps of the values of 0.85 and 1.00 Swiss franc issued by Swiss Post: Date of Stamp set issue: 07.05.2020
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Santosh Khanna has commented:
ReplyDeleteAwesome‼️ Thanks for sharing this interesting post."
Thank you so much, Khanna sahab.
DeleteVinod Khurana has commented:
ReplyDelete"Great information, thanks for sharing."
Thank you so much, Vinodji.
DeleteLalit Roy has mentioned:
ReplyDelete"Very nice article. They really care for their environment."
Thanks, Lalit. The Swissmint has brought out several interesting coin series like the Alpine flora, their mountain passes, energy resources etc, all targeted at bringing about awareness for conserving their natural resources and environmental awareness.
DeleteVikram Bhatnagar has commented:
ReplyDelete"Great read; it mentally transported me back to Switzerland! Such detailed research for a coin! Amazing! 🤔"
Thanks, Vikram. Swissmint does do a lot of good coins, particularly with an ecological theme. I has an Edelweiss coin in my collection too.
DeleteVikram Bhatnagar has further commented:
Delete"I handle Edelweiss' NPA's in my role as an IP!"