{"product_id":"mexico-50-pesos-banknote-series-1972-ignacio-allende-banco-de-mexico-1","title":"Switzerland 20 Franken Banknote - Horace-Bénédict de Saussure 6th Series (PSV 20)","description":"\u003ch3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003eProduct Description:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eMetalStacks proudly presents a distinguished piece of European currency with this \u003cstrong\u003eSwitzerland 20 Franken (Francs) Banknote\u003c\/strong\u003e from the \u003cstrong\u003eSixth Series (1976–2000)\u003c\/strong\u003e, featuring an iconic engraved portrait of \u003cstrong\u003eHorace-Bénédict de Saussure (1740–1799)\u003c\/strong\u003e — the legendary Swiss physicist, geologist, and alpinist who pioneered modern Alpine science and was instrumental in the first successful ascent of Mont Blanc, Europe's highest peak.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e(PSV 20)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eIssued by the \u003cstrong\u003eSwiss National Bank (Schweizerische Nationalbank \/ Banque Nationale Suisse \/ Banca Nazionale Svizzera \/ Banca Naziunala Svizra)\u003c\/strong\u003e, this note represents Switzerland's celebrated tradition of honoring its scholars, scientists, and cultural figures on its national currency — a tradition that distinguishes Swiss banknotes from most world currencies, which typically depict political leaders. The note prominently displays the \u003cstrong\u003eSwiss Confederation cross\u003c\/strong\u003e, identifying its sovereign origin, with the denomination \u003cstrong\u003e\"20 FRANKEN \/ 20 FRANCS \/ 20 FRANCHI \/ 20 FRANCS\"\u003c\/strong\u003e appearing in the four official languages of Switzerland: German, French, Italian, and Romansh — a uniquely Swiss tradition reflecting the country's multilingual heritage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThis particular example is housed in a protective rigid currency holder and elegantly presented within a \u003cstrong\u003ehandsome wood display frame with a black matted backdrop\u003c\/strong\u003e, transforming it into a finished showcase piece ready for immediate display. The note exhibits natural signs of age and circulation consistent with its vintage, with subtle toning, paper texture variations, and minor staining that enhance its authenticity and historical character. \u003cstrong\u003eOnly one note is available, and it bears a unique serial number, making this a truly one-of-one collectible offering.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote Information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eCountry: Switzerland (Swiss Confederation)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eDenomination: 20 Franken \/ 20 Francs (CHF 20)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eSeries: Sixth Series (1976–2000)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eType: Swiss National Bank Banknote\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eSerial Number: 78L0070478\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003ePortrait: Horace-Bénédict de Saussure (1740–1799) — Swiss Physicist, Geologist \u0026amp; Alpinist\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eIssuing Authority: Schweizerische Nationalbank (Swiss National Bank \/ SNB)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eGrade: Circulated\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003ePaper Type: High-quality Swiss banknote paper (cotton blend)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eLanguages: German, French, Italian, Romansh (four official Swiss languages)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eStatus: Demonetized (discontinued from circulation April 30, 2000)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003ePresentation: Rigid currency holder mounted within a wood display frame\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eAvailability: One (1) note only\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDesign Details\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eObverse:\u003c\/strong\u003e Features a striking portrait of \u003cstrong\u003eHorace-Bénédict de Saussure\u003c\/strong\u003e rendered in fine engraving, with the bold blue \u003cstrong\u003e\"20\"\u003c\/strong\u003e denomination prominently displayed at the upper left. Saussure's name and dates (\u003cstrong\u003e\"Horace-Bénédict de Saussure 1740–1799\"\u003c\/strong\u003e) appear beneath his portrait. The intricate guilloché background pattern features hexagonal honeycomb-style security elements and ornamental flourishes characteristic of high-end Swiss banknote production. The denomination is repeated in vertical text along the left edge in four languages: \u003cstrong\u003e\"Vingt Francs \/ Venti Franchi.\"\u003c\/strong\u003e The inscription \u003cstrong\u003e\"BANQUE NATIONALE SUISSE \/ BANCA NAZIONALE SVIZZERA\"\u003c\/strong\u003e runs along the left side, identifying the issuing authority in French and Italian. A small \u003cstrong\u003eSwiss cross\u003c\/strong\u003e appears at the upper left, denoting Swiss sovereignty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReverse:\u003c\/strong\u003e Displays a vivid artistic depiction inspired by Saussure's groundbreaking 1787 expedition to the summit of \u003cstrong\u003eMont Blanc\u003c\/strong\u003e — featuring stylized figures of mountaineers ascending the peak, accompanied by an artistic interpretation of the famous \u003cstrong\u003eammonite fossil spiral\u003c\/strong\u003e (representing Saussure's geological contributions). The bold blue \u003cstrong\u003e\"20\"\u003c\/strong\u003e denomination appears alongside \u003cstrong\u003e\"Zwanzig Franken \/ Vingt Francs\"\u003c\/strong\u003e in German and French. The text \u003cstrong\u003e\"SCHWEIZERISCHE NATIONALBANK \/ BANCA NAZIUNALA SVIZRA\"\u003c\/strong\u003e runs along the right edge in German and Romansh, completing the multilingual identification of the issuing authority. The serial number \u003cstrong\u003e78L0070478\u003c\/strong\u003e appears in vertical text along the design. This artistic, science-and-adventure-inspired reverse is a hallmark of Switzerland's Sixth Series banknotes, which celebrated Swiss intellectual and exploratory achievements rather than political or geographic imagery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Significance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe Switzerland 20 Franken Sixth Series banknote represents a uniquely Swiss approach to currency design and a celebration of one of history's most influential scientists and adventurers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHorace-Bénédict de Saussure (1740–1799):\u003c\/strong\u003e Born in Conches, Geneva, \u003cstrong\u003eHorace-Bénédict de Saussure was a pioneering Swiss physicist, geologist, and one of the founding figures of modern Alpine science and mountaineering\u003c\/strong\u003e. His extensive scientific work in the Alps over four decades fundamentally shaped the fields of meteorology, geology, mineralogy, and atmospheric physics:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePioneered the scientific study of the Alps\u003c\/strong\u003e through dozens of expeditions, publishing his foundational four-volume work \u003cem\u003e\"Voyages dans les Alpes\"\u003c\/em\u003e (1779–1796)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInvented the hair hygrometer\u003c\/strong\u003e (a device measuring atmospheric humidity using human hair) in 1783 — still influential in modern meteorology\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCoined the term \"geology\"\u003c\/strong\u003e in its modern scientific sense\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSponsored and funded the first successful ascent of Mont Blanc\u003c\/strong\u003e in 1786 by Jacques Balmat and Michel Paccard, then climbed the peak himself in 1787 — the third recorded ascent in history\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eConducted groundbreaking atmospheric experiments at high altitude\u003c\/strong\u003e, measuring temperature, pressure, and humidity in conditions never before scientifically documented\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eHelped establish the foundations of \u003cstrong\u003emodern mountaineering\u003c\/strong\u003e as a serious scientific and recreational pursuit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eHis face on the Swiss 20-Franken note represents Switzerland's celebrated tradition of honoring its scientific pioneers — a striking contrast to most world currencies that depict political figures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Sixth Series (1976–2000):\u003c\/strong\u003e Designed by Swiss artists \u003cstrong\u003eErnst and Ursula Hiestand\u003c\/strong\u003e, the Sixth Series of Swiss banknotes is widely celebrated for its \u003cstrong\u003eartistic, science-and-culture-themed designs\u003c\/strong\u003e. Each denomination featured a different prominent Swiss figure:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e10 Franken: Leonhard Euler (mathematician)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e20 Franken: Horace-Bénédict de Saussure (physicist, geologist, alpinist)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e50 Franken: Konrad Gessner (naturalist)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e100 Franken: Francesco Borromini (architect)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e500 Franken: Albrecht von Haller (physiologist, poet)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e1000 Franken: Auguste Forel (psychiatrist, entomologist)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe series was issued from 1976 through 2000 and was officially \u003cstrong\u003edemonetized and removed from circulation on April 30, 2000\u003c\/strong\u003e, replaced by the Eighth Series. The Sixth Series remains one of the most beloved and collected Swiss banknote series among numismatists worldwide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Mont Blanc Connection:\u003c\/strong\u003e The reverse design's depiction of mountaineers ascending Mont Blanc directly references \u003cstrong\u003eSaussure's most famous historical contribution\u003c\/strong\u003e — his role as the patron and pioneer of high-altitude alpine science. In 1760, the young Saussure famously offered a monetary prize to the first person to successfully climb Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps and Western Europe at 4,808 meters (15,774 feet). It took \u003cstrong\u003e26 years\u003c\/strong\u003e before Balmat and Paccard claimed the prize in 1786, after which Saussure himself summited the peak the following year — conducting the first \u003cstrong\u003escientific experiments ever performed at such altitude\u003c\/strong\u003e. This single act is widely credited as the \u003cstrong\u003ebirth of modern mountaineering and alpine science\u003c\/strong\u003e, making the Mont Blanc imagery on this note one of the most historically meaningful designs in Swiss currency history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMultilingual Heritage:\u003c\/strong\u003e The note's denomination appears in \u003cstrong\u003eall four official languages of Switzerland\u003c\/strong\u003e — German (Zwanzig Franken), French (Vingt Francs), Italian (Venti Franchi), and Romansh (Venti Francs\/Vingt Francs). This multilingual presentation reflects Switzerland's unique federal structure as a confederation of distinct linguistic and cultural regions, and is a defining visual element of Swiss currency.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDemonetized \u0026amp; Discontinued Status:\u003c\/strong\u003e As an officially demonetized banknote, the Sixth Series 20 Franken is \u003cstrong\u003eno longer legal tender in Switzerland\u003c\/strong\u003e and cannot be exchanged at face value at Swiss banks. However, the Swiss National Bank historically maintained a 20-year window for exchange of demonetized notes (a policy that has since been amended to indefinite exchange for certain series). The discontinued status makes these notes increasingly scarce in collectible condition and elevates their appeal to international currency collectors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Swiss National Bank:\u003c\/strong\u003e Founded in \u003cstrong\u003e1907\u003c\/strong\u003e, the Swiss National Bank (SNB) is Switzerland's central bank, responsible for monetary policy and the issuance of all Swiss Franc banknotes. The SNB is widely recognized as one of the most respected and conservative central banks in the world, known for its careful management of the Swiss Franc as a global \"safe haven\" currency. Notes bearing the SNB's authority represent the financial heritage of one of the world's most stable and prosperous economies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePresentation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThis Swiss banknote is securely housed in a protective rigid currency holder and elegantly mounted within a \u003cstrong\u003ewood display frame with a black matted background\u003c\/strong\u003e, ready for immediate display on a desk, shelf, mantel, or wall. The framed setup protects the note while allowing full visibility of its design, vibrant blue color scheme, Saussure portrait, multilingual inscriptions, and serial number. As with all MetalStacks offerings, the note has been carefully handled and verified for authenticity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eBecause only one example is available, the exact note shown — including its distinct serial number and individual condition — is the note you will receive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eFor additional details or collector inquiries, please contact MetalStacks at \u003cstrong\u003e(561) 529-3001\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MetalStacks","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48146811322613,"sku":"MS20FRSWISSCAT14-0478","price":79.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0609\/4444\/9781\/files\/MSSTACK4-1_4_5d73a368-90eb-4e88-a3df-11a589ffbb66.png?v=1778708908","url":"https:\/\/metalstacks.net\/products\/mexico-50-pesos-banknote-series-1972-ignacio-allende-banco-de-mexico-1","provider":"Metalstacks","version":"1.0","type":"link"}