Rappen in Switzerland and Beyond

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Monochrome close-up of euro coins showcasing currency in a dramatic grayscale tone.
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The Rappen, Switzerland's official currency, has a rich history that spans centuries. It's named after the German word for "rapids", which refers to the fast-flowing rivers that were once a major source of power for Swiss industries.

The Rappen was first introduced in the 15th century and was initially pegged to the value of silver. Today, the Rappen is a fiat currency, meaning its value is determined by supply and demand in the market.

Intriguing read: Canada Coins Value

History of Rappen

The Rappen has a rich history that spans centuries. It originated as a type of currency in the 14th century.

The name "Rappen" is derived from the Freiburger Pfennige of the 14th century. This is likely due to the fact that the Pfennige had a raven-like design on them.

The Rappen was initially used as a small denomination in the Rappenmünzbund, a monetary union of several cities and regions. It was also known as a Zweiling, which means it was equivalent to two Stäbler or Stebler.

Detailed view of Indian currency notes and coins representing wealth and finance.
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The Rappen was made from Billon, a type of metal alloy, and was used as the smallest unit of currency in the Swiss franc. In the 19th century, the Rappen was made from a combination of metals, including bronze and Billon.

The Rappen continued to be used as a currency in Switzerland even after the Rappenmünzbund was dissolved in 1584. In fact, it wasn't until the Helvetische Republik was established in 1798 that the Rappen became a standard unit of currency in Switzerland.

Etymology and Meaning

The name "Rappen" has a fascinating etymology. It's etymologically identical to the name of a bird, Rapp, which is an expressive form of Rabe.

The Rappen name is first mentioned in connection with coins that were minted in Freiburg im Breisgau in the second quarter of the 14th century. These coins were likely originally called Rappen as a mocking reference to the eagle design on them, which resembled a raven.

Cows in a Swiss farm stable, Ebikon, Lucerne, natural light and setting.
Credit: pexels.com, Cows in a Swiss farm stable, Ebikon, Lucerne, natural light and setting.

The word "Rappen" is also associated with the memory of the Herr of Rappoltstein, who in the late 13th century minted and circulated poor-quality coins, known as "Kolmarrappen".

The name "Rappen" can be interpreted in different ways, but one theory suggests that it comes from the Freiburger Pfennigen of the 14th century.

Etymologie

The name "Rappen" is etymologically identical to the bird name Rapp, a variant of Rabe. This name was first used for coins minted in Freiburg im Breisgau in the second quarter of the 14th century.

The Rappen name might have originated as a mocking term for the eagle-like design on some of these early coins. The name could also have been inspired by the memory of poor-quality pennies minted by the Lord of Rappoltstein in the late 13th century, which were called "Kolmarrappen".

The name "Rappen" has been associated with both Swiss and German coins, and is considered a unit of currency.

Here are some possible origins of the name "Rappen":

  • Freiburger Pfennigen des 14. Jahrhunderts
  • Colmar-Rappen
  • dunkelfarbige, schwarz anlaufende Pfennige

These possible origins suggest that the name "Rappen" might have been derived from the appearance or quality of early coins, rather than a specific person or place.

Name

Bearded Rapper with Microphone
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The name "Rappen" has a rich history. It's believed to have originated from the Freiburger Pfennigen of the 14th century.

The name "Rappen" is likely derived from the German word "Rapp", meaning "dunkelfarbig, schwarz" or dark-colored, black. This word is also used to describe dark-colored horses, known as Rappens.

The term "Rappen" was initially used to describe a type of coin that was dark in color, as opposed to the silver-halting Brakteaten of the Middle Ages. The name eventually stuck, and the Rappen became a standard currency in the Upper Rhine region.

The Rappenbund, a union of regional mints formed in 1399, adopted the Rappen as their standard currency.

Current Rappen

The Swiss currency is quite unique, and one of the most interesting aspects is the Rappen. Today, the Swiss mint coins for five, ten, and twenty Rappen, as well as the ½-Franken-Münze, which is equivalent to a five-Rappen coin.

In 2006, the production of one-Rappen coins was discontinued, and they were officially taken out of circulation on January 1, 2007. Although they were no longer used in everyday transactions, it's worth noting that they had already lost significance in the payment system.

The two-Rappen coin was last produced in 1974 and was officially taken out of circulation in 1978.

Rappen in Switzerland

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In Switzerland, the 2 rappen coin was a common denomination that circulated from 1850 to 1946 and then again from 1948 to 1974.

The 2 rappen coin was worth 0.02 francs, or 2 rappen. It had a diameter of 20 mm and a mass of 2.5 g.

The first 2 rappen coin was made from a bronze alloy of 95% copper, 4% tin, and 1% zinc.

Switzerland 1892 B Km#26 F

The Switzerland 1892 B Km#26 F coin is a rare find, especially in good condition. It's a great example of the Rappen coins that were in circulation in Switzerland during the late 19th century.

These coins were minted in Zurich and feature a unique design that's still recognizable today. The Rappen coins were an essential part of the Swiss economy, used for everyday transactions.

The Switzerland 1892 B Km#26 F coin is a testament to the country's rich numismatic history. It's a valuable collectible for enthusiasts and a fascinating piece of history for anyone interested in currency.

In good condition, this coin can be a valuable addition to any collection.

For more insights, see: English Currency History

Switzerland 10 1879-2023

Credit: youtube.com, Switzerland 10 rappen 1970

The Switzerland 10 Rappen coin has been in circulation since 1879 and is still widely used today.

The diameter of this coin is 19.15mm, a consistent measurement that has remained unchanged over the years.

In 1992, the B variant of the 10 Rappen coin was minted, with a production run of 18.028.000 pieces.

Another variant of the 1992 B coin was also produced, with a slightly lower mintage of 12.628.000 pieces.

Swiss 2 Coin

The Swiss 2 coin, also known as the 2 rappen coin, was a widely used denomination in Switzerland. It was issued from 1850 to 1946 and then again from 1948 to 1974.

The coin was worth 0.02 francs, or 2 rappen. This makes it a small but significant part of Swiss currency history.

All 2 rappen coins had a diameter of 20 mm and a mass of 2.5 g. This consistency in size and weight makes them easily recognizable.

Breathtaking view of snow-capped Swiss Alps under a clear blue sky in Alpnach, Switzerland.
Credit: pexels.com, Breathtaking view of snow-capped Swiss Alps under a clear blue sky in Alpnach, Switzerland.

The first coin, engraved by Jacques-Jean Barre and A. Hutter, was composed of a bronze alloy of 95% copper, 4% tin, and 1% zinc. This unique composition gave the coin a distinct character.

The first coin featured the coat of arms of Switzerland on its obverse, surrounded by laurel and oak branches on the reverse.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is one rappen?

One Rappen is equal to one-hundredth of a Swiss franc. Learn more about the Swiss currency and its regional names.

Angel Bruen

Copy Editor

Angel Bruen is a seasoned copy editor with a keen eye for detail and a passion for precision. Her expertise spans a variety of sectors, including finance and insurance, where she has honed her skills in crafting clear and concise content. Specializing in articles about Insurance Companies of Hong Kong and Financial Services Companies Established in 2013, Angel ensures that each piece she edits is not only accurate but also engaging for the reader.

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