January 26, 2012 – Swiss Mint is issuing a new silver coin depicting the motif “100 years of Jungfrau Railway”. This issue commemorates the fact that this track made the whole area accessible leading to highest station in Europe.
Switzerland – 20 CHF – silver 835 – 20 g – 33 mm – Design: Benno. K. Zehnder – Mintage: max. 50,000 (uncirculated) resp. max. 7,000 (proof).
The 20 Swiss franc silver coin “100 years of Jungfrau Railway” ends the “Mountain Railways” series comprising the “Vitznau-Rigi Railway” (2008), the “Brienz-Rothorn Railway” (2009), the “Bernina Railway” (2010) and the “Pilatus Railway” (2011). The coin was designed by Benno K. Zehnder and is available in the minting qualities “uncirculated” and “proof coin” in a presentation case.
Model of a Rowan train. These trains were used on the Jungfrau Railway in the early days. 1906. Source: Wikipedia.
The 1st August 1912 was a special day in the history of the Jungfrau Railway. At about midday, the first train, decorated and packed with invited guests, reached the Jungfraujoch. At an elevation of 3,454 metres above sea level, the station is the highest in Europe. Along the way, the Jungfrau Railway climbs almost 1,400 metres up from the Kleine Scheidegg.
Jungfraubahn between Eigergletsch and Kleine Scheidegg, 2006. Photo: Peter Alder / Wikipedia.
The breathtaking track runs through a tunnel under the Eiger and the Mönch. The journey lasts around 50 minutes. In its 100 years of history, the Jungfrau Railway has transported millions of tourists to the middle of the UNESCO World Heritage of the Swiss Jungfrau-Aletsch Alps and through a fascinating mountain world of rock, ice and snow.
Wander around this wonderful region in the internet – if you do not have an occasion of going there, you will find lots of pictures and information here …
… and here.
The Jungfraubahn also has a very informative website.
If you want to visit the Swissmint, click here.
And this link leads directly to more information about the coin.