Product Description:
MetalStacks proudly presents a distinguished piece of European currency with this Switzerland 10 Franken (Francs) Banknote from the Sixth Series (1976–2000), featuring an iconic engraved portrait of Leonhard Euler (1707–1783) — one of the greatest mathematicians in human history and a Swiss-born intellectual giant whose contributions to mathematics, physics, astronomy, and engineering remain foundational to modern science.
(PSV 20)
Issued by the Swiss National Bank (Schweizerische Nationalbank / Banque Nationale Suisse / Banca Nazionale Svizzera / Banca Naziunala Svizra), this note represents Switzerland's commitment to honoring its scholars and scientists on its national currency — a tradition that sets Swiss banknotes apart from most world currencies, which typically feature political leaders. The note prominently displays the Swiss Confederation cross, identifying its sovereign origin, with the denomination "10 FRANKEN / 10 FRANCS / 10 FRANCHI" appearing in the four official languages of Switzerland: German, French, Italian, and Romansh — a uniquely Swiss tradition reflecting the country's multilingual heritage.
This particular example is housed in a protective rigid currency holder and elegantly presented within a handsome wood display frame with a black matted backdrop, 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 and paper texture variations that enhance its authenticity and historical character. Only one note is available, and it bears a unique serial number, making this a truly one-of-one collectible offering.
Note Information
- Country: Switzerland (Swiss Confederation)
- Denomination: 10 Franken / 10 Francs (CHF 10)
- Series: Sixth Series (1976–2000)
- Type: Swiss National Bank Banknote
- Serial Number: 80J0642601
- Portrait: Leonhard Euler (1707–1783) — Swiss Mathematician & Physicist
- Issuing Authority: Schweizerische Nationalbank (Swiss National Bank / SNB)
- Grade: Circulated
- Paper Type: High-quality Swiss banknote paper (cotton blend)
- Languages: German, French, Italian, Romansh (four official Swiss languages)
- Status: Demonetized (discontinued from circulation April 30, 2000)
- Presentation: Rigid currency holder mounted within a wood display frame
- Availability: One (1) note only
Design Details
Obverse: Features a striking portrait of Leonhard Euler rendered in fine engraving, with the bold red "10" denomination prominently displayed at the upper left. Euler's name and dates ("Leonhard Euler 1707–1783") appear beneath his portrait. The intricate guilloché background pattern features ornamental rosettes and lathe-engraved security elements characteristic of high-end Swiss banknote production. The denomination is repeated in vertical text along the left edge in four languages: "Zehn Franken / Dix Francs / Dieci Franchi / Diesch Francs." The inscription "SCHWEIZERISCHE NATIONALBANK / BANCA NAZIUNALA SVIZRA" runs along the left side, identifying the issuing authority. A small Swiss cross appears at the upper left, denoting Swiss sovereignty.
Reverse: Displays an elegant artistic interpretation honoring Euler's contributions to physics and optics — featuring a diagram of light passing through a lens system (representing Euler's foundational work in optics) alongside a planetary orbital diagram (representing his contributions to celestial mechanics and astronomy). The bold orange-red "10" denomination appears alongside "Dix Francs" in French. The text "BANQUE NATIONALE SUISSE / BANCA NAZIONALE SVIZZERA" runs along the right edge in French and Italian, completing the multilingual identification of the issuing authority. The serial number 80J0642601 appears in vertical text along the design. This artistic, science-inspired reverse is a hallmark of Switzerland's Sixth Series banknotes, which celebrated Swiss intellectual achievements rather than political or geographic imagery.
Historical Significance
The Switzerland 10 Franken Sixth Series banknote represents a uniquely Swiss approach to currency design and a celebration of one of history's greatest scientific minds.
Leonhard Euler (1707–1783): Born in Basel, Switzerland, Leonhard Euler is widely regarded as one of the greatest mathematicians of all time — alongside figures like Newton, Gauss, and Archimedes. His prolific output included over 800 published works, and his contributions span virtually every field of mathematics and mathematical physics:
- Introduced the mathematical notation e (Euler's number, the base of natural logarithms)
- Pioneered graph theory through the famous "Seven Bridges of Königsberg" problem
- Developed foundational work in calculus, number theory, optics, and celestial mechanics
- Formulated Euler's identity (e^(iπ) + 1 = 0), often called "the most beautiful equation in mathematics"
- Made groundbreaking contributions to fluid dynamics, astronomy, and engineering
His face on the Swiss 10-Franken note represents Switzerland's tradition of honoring intellectual and cultural achievement — a striking contrast to most world currencies that depict political figures.
The Sixth Series (1976–2000): Designed by Swiss artist Ernst and Ursula Hiestand, the Sixth Series of Swiss banknotes is widely celebrated for its artistic, science-and-culture-themed designs. Each denomination featured a different prominent Swiss figure:
- 10 Franken: Leonhard Euler (mathematician)
- 20 Franken: Horace-Bénédict de Saussure (physicist, alpinist)
- 50 Franken: Konrad Gessner (naturalist)
- 100 Franken: Francesco Borromini (architect)
- 500 Franken: Albrecht von Haller (physiologist, poet)
- 1000 Franken: Auguste Forel (psychiatrist, entomologist)
The series was issued from 1976 through 2000 and was officially demonetized and removed from circulation on April 30, 2000, replaced by the Eighth Series. The Sixth Series remains one of the most beloved and collected Swiss banknote series among numismatists worldwide.
Multilingual Heritage: The note's denomination appears in all four official languages of Switzerland — German (Zehn Franken), French (Dix Francs), Italian (Dieci Franchi), and Romansh (Diesch 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.
Demonetized & Discontinued Status: As an officially demonetized banknote, the Sixth Series 10 Franken is no longer legal tender in Switzerland 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.
The Swiss National Bank: Founded in 1907, 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.
Presentation
This Swiss banknote is securely housed in a protective rigid currency holder and elegantly mounted within a wood display frame with a black matted background, 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 red-orange color scheme, Euler portrait, multilingual inscriptions, and serial number. As with all MetalStacks offerings, the note has been carefully handled and verified for authenticity.
Because only one example is available, the exact note shown — including its distinct serial number and individual condition — is the note you will receive.
For additional details or collector inquiries, please contact MetalStacks at (561) 529-3001.