For the first time in its history, Swissmint is dedicating a Swiss commemorative coin to a living person: Roger Federer. As well as being probably Switzerland's most successful individual sportsman, he is also the perfect ambassador for Switzerland. That is reason enough for Swissmint to honour Roger Federer with a 20-franc silver coin. The date of issue is 23 January 2020, and the pre-sale (uncirculated quality) begins on 2 December 2019. This will be followed by the release of a "Roger Federer" gold coin in May 2020.

There is no other Swiss person in the world as well known as Roger Federer. One could almost lose count of his tennis records – he spent 237 consecutive weeks as world No. 1, holds the most grand slam men's singles titles (20), and has won 103 singles titles in total so far. These records and his versatile playing style make him probably the greatest tennis player of all time.

But Roger Federer is just as active off the court. In 2003, he set up a foundation to support financial aid projects for children. Moreover, in 2006 he was named as the first Swiss UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. His sporting achievements, his charitable commitments, his easy-going nature and his accessibility to his fans have prompted Swissmint to dedicate this 20-franc silver coin to him – the first time it has done so with a living person. Moreover, in May 2020 it will be issuing a 50-franc "Roger Federer" gold coin featuring a different design.

First ever pre-sale

The "Roger Federer" silver coins are expected to attract a lot of interest from around the world, so Swissmint has decided to carry out its first ever pre-sale for a 20-franc silver commemorative coin in "uncirculated" quality. From 2 December 2019, the coins can be purchased in limited numbers and exclusively via Swissmint's webshop at www.swissmintshop.ch. The pre-sale ends on 19 December 2019 at the latest, or until the first minting run of 55,000 units has sold out, whichever is earlier. Dispatch of the "Roger Federer" silver coins will start on the issue date of 23 January 2020. If demand exceeds the first minting run, Swissmint reserves the right to produce a further 40,000 coins and issue them in May 2020.

Orders for the proof-quality coins and the folder for the "Roger Federer" issue will be accepted only as from the issue date of 23 January 2020.

Quality descriptions for silver coins

 Uncirculated: minted in normal machine production, presented in a blister pack.

Folder: uncirculated coin presented in a smart, colour illustrated card folder with additional pictures and information in four languages on the coin subject and the artist.

Proof: highest minting quality, individual production, the coin die is used only around 500 times, coin planchets are polished and surface-treated in an elaborate process. Coins are individually packed in coin capsules, and sold in a presentation case complete with numbered certificate of authenticity.

The Federal Mint Swissmint

The Federal Mint Swissmint produces the country's coins for use in everyday payment transactions. The Federal Mint also regularly issues commemorative coins and coinage of a higher standard for the numismatic market. Commemorative coins in bimetal, silver or gold bear an official, state-guaranteed, nominal value and are available in various minting qualities.