Sell a silver Swiss 5 franc
The Swiss five-franc piece, struck in silver up to and including 1969. Two sizes: the large écu up to 1928 and the smaller coin after that.
- Purity
- 835‰
- Country
- Switzerland
- Silver rate
- €1.75/g
What do we pay for a silver Swiss 5 franc?
Based on the silver rate of this moment, €1.75 per gram of fine material. As of:
| Variant | Fine silver | Total weight | We pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 francs 1931-1969 | 12.525 g | 15 g | €21.01 |
| 5 francs 1888-1928 | 22.5 g | 25 g | €37.74 |
This price applies regardless of the year and the mint. With a rare year or exceptional condition the collector’s value can be higher than the material value – then we say so, even if that means you are better off not selling us the coin.
How we arrive at this amount
A coin is precious metal in a recognisable shape. What it fetches therefore depends almost entirely on the fine weight: the weight of pure silver it contains.
This coin is 835‰ pure. The rest of the alloy – usually copper – makes it harder and scratch-resistant, but has no value. That is why we calculate on the fine weight and not on what the scales say.
The head on the coin is often taken for William Tell, but it is an Alpine herdsman. Up to 1928 in 900 silver and 25 grams, from 1931 to 1969 in 835 silver and 15 grams.
Not sure whether your coin is genuine? We check weight, diameter, thickness and – if in doubt – the density with X-ray analysis. Non-destructive: your coin stays intact.
Also have a look at today’s silver rate or all silver prices.
Two generations of five franc
Up to 1928 the Swiss five franc followed the Latin Monetary Union standard: 25 grams of 900 silver, like the French and Belgian écu. In 1931 the coin became smaller: 15 grams of 835 silver. That version stayed silver up to and including 1969; after that it became copper-nickel.
We read the date and settle per generation. A coin from before 1929 contains almost twice the silver.
Watch the date after 1969
Five-franc pieces from 1970 onwards look very much like their silver predecessors, but contain no silver. We take them out before weighing and you get them back.
How to sell your silver Swiss 5 franc
From walking in to being paid usually takes less than half an hour.
Do not polish it
With collector coins, cleaning can push the value down considerably. A natural patina belongs to them.
Bring it in
With or without an appointment, at one of our 45 locations. If the coin is in a holder, leave it in there.
We assess two values
The precious metal and what the coin itself does: year, mintage and condition. You get the higher of the two.
Paid out straight away
In cash or by bank transfer. Larger amounts reach your account within 24 hours.
Also of interest
- Silver rate todayThe current silver rate per gram and per kilo, updated every minute.View
- All silver pricesWhat we pay per carat or alloy.View
- All coins and barsThe complete list of purchase prices per piece.View
- Spot price, premium and spreadWhy you never get back the premium you paid on purchase.View
Questions about selling silver Swiss 5 franc
How much silver is in a Swiss 5 franc?
For the coins of 1931 to 1969 it is 12.525 grams of fine silver, for the large coins up to 1928 22.5 grams.
Is a 5 franc from 1970 or later silver?
No, it is copper-nickel. The Swiss five franc is silver only up to and including 1969.
Do you also buy smaller Swiss silver coins?
Yes, the half, one and two franc with the standing Helvetia. They have a page of their own.
How can I tell the old five franc from the new one?
By size and date. The coins up to 1928 are clearly larger and heavier.
Is your question not listed? Ask it below, call 085 060 3009 or go to contact.
A question about silver Swiss 5 franc?
Ask it here. You will receive a personal reply by email, usually within one working day – no automated message and no phone call you did not ask for.
- An answer from a valuer, not from a template
- We keep your question so that you need not repeat anything
- No sales pitch afterwards
Sources
Where you can verify what you have just read.
- Koninklijke Nederlandse MuntThe mint that struck the Dutch coins and knows their fineness
- De Nederlandsche BankOn the guilder and exchanging old legal tender
- WaarborgHollandThe Dutch assay office that verifies fineness and strikes hallmarks
Have your silver Swiss 5 franc valued?
Free and without obligation, at a location near you.