Silver for the steepest cog railway in the world
On 26 May the Federal Mint Swissmint is continuing the mountain railway series with the “Pilatus Railway” as its subject.
Also appearing on 26 May is the 20 franc “Pilatus Railway” silver coin. It follows the coins featuring “Vitznau-Rigi Railway” (2008), “Brienz-Rothorn Railway” (2009) and “Bernina Railway” (2010) in the “Mountain Railways” series . It will be officially launched on 1 July on the occasion of the Pilatus-Kulm opening event.
The Pilatus Railway which came into operation in 1889 is one of the most audacious mountain railway projects of the pioneering era. With a gradient of 48 per cent, it is today regarded as the steepest cog railway in the world. The line ascends in 30 to 40 minutes from Alpnachstad to Pilatus-Kulm where an incomparable view over Lake Lucerne, central Switzerland and the mountains of the Alps awaits guests.
The new commemorative minting is available as a limited edition from banks, coin dealers and at www.swissmint.ch. The net proceeds from the sale of the coins are used to promote cultural projects throughout Switzerland.