1881 Fribourg
Actual 47 mm size by Edoardo Durussel, Berna
Obverse.
On either side of the regal figure of Helvetia, the maidenly personifications of Freiburg and Soleure grace the scene, embodying the virtues of their respective cantons. Clad in garments that reflect the rich heritage of their regions, they sit poised and dignified, each holding aloft a precious possession—the reunified covenant script of union. This esteemed document symbolizes their enduring alliance and is a testament to the celebration of the momentous 400th jubilee, marked by the years "1481-1881."
Each maiden is accompanied by her own coat of arms, resplendent in color and design, proudly displayed to signify the unique identity of her canton. In their hands, swords are held at the ready, a vigilant reminder of their perpetual defense of the longstanding unity they have forged over the centuries. These swords, glinting with purpose, serve as both a symbol of their commitment to peace and a pledge to protect the bonds that have been so hard-won through trials and tribulations.
Helvetia, the dignified embodiment of the Confederacy, acknowledges and salutes this everlasting kinship, her gaze warm and inviting as she welcomes her comrades from Freiburg and Soleure. In this moment of unity, she pledges sanctuary for the union, proclaiming the vital creed of "For One, for All." This declaration resonates with the shared values of solidarity and mutual support that lie at the heart of the Confederacy’s ideals.
As they gather in joyful celebration, the trio exemplifies the spirit of collaboration and strength that has characterized their collective journey. Their expressions reflect a deep sense of gratitude for the fruits of their hard-won peace, a peace that is both cherished and revered. Together, they stand as living embodiments of the Confederacy’s enduring legacy, each maiden a guardian of her canton’s history and aspirations, united under the watchful embrace of Helvetia, who embodies the unity and resilience of the Swiss spirit. In this harmonious tableau, the past, present, and future intertwine, casting a hopeful vision for the generations to come.
Inscription:
400th Anniversaire de la Réunion de Fribourg et Soleure à la Suisse.
Reverse.
The victory laurels of Fribourg and Solothurn flora gracefully encircle the famed landmarks of Fribourg, a tribute to the triumphs and heritage of this distinguished city. These verdant wreaths symbolize the glory of the past and the flourishing spirit of the present, celebrating the unity and resilience of its people.
At the heart of this picturesque tableau stands the recognizable Gothic-styled St. Nicholas Cathedral, a magnificent edifice whose construction spanned from 1283 to 1430. Towering majestically with a height of 76 meters, its grand tower, completed in 1490, houses a majestic collection of 11 bells that resonate with the echoes of history. Perched upon a rocky outcrop that rises 50 meters above the serene waters of the river Saane, the cathedral commands a striking presence over the medieval town below, serving as a beacon of faith and community.
The imposing façade of St. Nicholas Cathedral is befitting of its esteemed position as the Episcopal seat for the dioceses of Fribourg, Lausanne, and Geneva. Its intricate stonework, adorned with sculptural details and stained glass, speaks to the artistry of its creators and the spiritual significance it holds for the faithful. As the sun casts its rays upon the cathedral, the building seems to come alive, illuminating the devotion and craftsmanship that have endured through the ages.
In addition to the cathedral, the suspended Freiburg Bridge, constructed in 1834 by the esteemed engineer Joseph Chaley, further enhances the city's landscape. Once heralded as the longest suspension bridge in the world, this remarkable structure served as a vital connection, facilitating the movement of people, goods, and trade between the east and west. The bridge, with its elegant design and sturdy construction, exemplifies the ingenuity and progress of the time, bridging not only the physical space but also the hearts and minds of those who traversed its span.
Together, these landmarks embody the spirit of Fribourg, a city where history, culture, and community converge. The victory laurels that encircle them stand as a testament to the legacy of perseverance and triumph that defines this remarkable place, inviting all who behold it to reflect on the rich tapestry of stories woven into its very fabric.
Background.
“ – Fribourg Joining the Swiss Confederation
Its name is derived from German frei (free) and Burg (fort).
Beginning at the time of its inception, Fribourg (founded 1157 by the Berthold IV, Duke of Zähringen) built a city-state, where lands it controlled lay some distance away. When the dukes of Zähringen died out in 1218, the city was transferred to the related Kyburg family.
The city was then sold to the Habsburgs in 1277. Trade and industry began as early as the mid-13th century. In the early period, the city developed rapidly, which led to expansions reflecting the economic boom in Fribourg. The 14th century was dominated by trade, and cloth and leather production, which brought the city recognition in Central Europe by 1370.
In 1339, Fribourg participated alongside the Habsburgs and the County of Burgundy in the Battle of Laupen against Bern and its Swiss Confederacy allies. The treaty with Bern was renewed in 1403. The leaders of the city then began a territorial acquisition, in which they gradually brought more nearby land under their control.
The mid-15th century was shaped by various military conflicts. First, considerable losses in a war against Savoy had to be made good. The Savoyard influence on the city grew, and the Habsburgs ceded it to them in 1452. It remained under the control of Savoy until the Burgundian Wars in 1477. As an ally of Bern, Fribourg participated in the war against Charles I of Burgundy, thereby bringing more land under its control. After the city was released from the sphere of influence of Savoy, it attained the status of Free Imperial City in 1478.
The city and its canton joined the Swiss Confederation in 1481.
– Solothurn Joining the Swiss Confederation
Its name is derived from Salodurum, a Roman-era settlement.
During the Early Middle Ages, Solothurn was part of the Kingdom of Lotharingia (Lorraine). After the collapse of Lotharingia, it became part of the Second Kingdom of Burgundy. In 1033, the Kingdom of Burgundy became part of the Holy Roman Empire and Solothurn gained some independence. In 1127, the dukes of Zähringen then acquired it.
After the extinction of the Zähringer line in 1218, it became a free imperial city under the Holy Roman Emperor. In 1344, Solothurn acquired the right to appoint own Schultheiss from the Count of Buchegg, which was confirmed by Emperor Charles IV in 1360.
As the city grew in power, it bound the Monastery of St. Ursus more closely to the city. In 1251 the city defeated claims made by the Monastery on the right to appoint the Schultheiss.
In 1382 the Habsburgs attacked the city, involving Solothurn in the Battle of Sempach. By the treaty of two years later, the Habsburgs renounced all claims to the territory of the city. The latter was expanded by acquisition of neighboring lands in the 15th century, roughly up to the today's canton area.
In 1481, it obtained full membership in the Swiss Confederation.”
In memory of the 400th year anniversary of the joining of the cantons of Fribourg and Solothurn, into the Old Swiss Confederation in 1481.