In the 11th century, Canons Regular of Saint Augustine founded a hospice as a refuge for travellers and pilgrims on the 2,469 metre-high Great Saint Bernard Pass. Large mountain dogs have been kept at the hospice since the mid-17th century to guard and protect those staying there. The first visual evidence of the presence of mountain dogs dates back to 1695, and the first written document is a hospice memo from the year 1707. The dogs were rapidly adopted as companion dogs and above all as rescue dogs for travellers who lost their way in the snow and mist. The dogs from the Great Saint Bernard Pass saved the lives of a great number of people. The reputation of the Saint Bernards grew throughout Europe in the 19th century thanks to chronicles published in many languages and to reports passed on by word of mouth by the soldiers who had crossed the pass with Napoleon Bonaparte in 1800.

The legendary Saint Bernard dog Barry lived at the hospice from 1800 to 1812. The famous dog apparently saved the lives of more than 40 people. Numerous legends linked to his story have contributed greatly to the good reputation of the Saint Bernard dogs. The Natural History Museum in Bern is devoting a special exhibition to the stuffed, original Barry and his story: www.barry.museum. The Barry Foundation in Martigny (www.fondation-barry.ch) attends to the continued existence of the original Saint Bernard dogs.

In memory of this brave dog, Swissmint issues a 50-franc gold coin designed by the graphic artist and illustrator Maya Delaquis from Gwatt.

At the same time as the Barry coin, the Christmas coin set will be the final issue of the year. It is suitable as an original Christmas present. Alongside this year's circulation coins, the special coin set contains a medal with a bell motif. The bells on the medal and on the slipcase with Christmas illustrations herald Christmas. Bea Würgler from Bern designed this stylish gift idea.

The new commemorative coin and the coin series are available from 14 September 2017 onwards as limited editions at www.swissmintshop.ch, as well from some coin dealers and banks.

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. Coins in bimetal, silver and gold bear an official nominal value and are available in various minting qualities. Swissmint is also the official authority for public and private clients seeking authenticity checks and expert opinions.

New Barry Swiss commemorative coin and 2017 Christmas coin set