1899 Yverdon

Actual 45 mm size by Alfred Jacot-Guillarmod, Le Locle

Obverse.

In the mists of Neolithic times, there stands a bygone primeval huntsman, a figure of formidable stature, broad of shoulder and muscled in torso, the very embodiment of primal strength and resilience. Adorned with a fur loincloth that clings to his powerful frame, he is the very essence of the wild, his presence commanding reverence and fear alike. A leathery sling, bearing his trusty whetstone axe, hangs steadfast at his side, a constant reminder of his readiness to defend his kin and their sacred land.

With a menacing gaze that pierces the shadows of the forest, he extends a deadly warning to both foes and strangers who might dare approach. In his right hand, he grips a bridled bow, the sinews of his arm taut with the anticipation of imminent action. His left arm, outstretched and poised, prepares to unleash a swift and lethal arrow, a rallying call to comrades in arms who stand ready to join him in the struggle for survival.

Nearby, a youthful maiden of similar attire and resolute composure, her spirit unyielding, takes heed of this noble call to arms. On one knee, she steadies herself, taking aim with her faithful bow, her eyes narrowed in fierce concentration, readying to unleash that fateful shot that could turn the tide of fate. Her courage mirrors that of the huntsman, reflecting the strength and valor that courses through their shared lineage.

Against the backdrop of a humble stilt hut, spartanly erected from local vines, wood, and hay, the brave defenders rise, standing resolute in their commitment to protect their beloved land. This dwelling, a testament to their resourcefulness, rests along the water’s edge of the shimmering Lac du Neuchâtel, a tranquil yet vigilant sentinel that watches over their endeavors.

The gentle ripples of the lake serve as a canvas for the reflections of these ancient warriors, where the essence of their bravery and determination is forever entwined with the very fabric of the land they cherish. As the sun casts its golden light upon this primeval scene, the spirits of those who came before surge forth, instilling in the hearts of the huntsman and maiden an indomitable will to defend their heritage, a legacy of strength that echoes through the ages.

Inscriptions.

Libertas Patria – Freedom for the Homeland

Reverse.

Upon the grand display, a pair of sharpshooters’ rifles, one a relic of ages past and the other a testament to modern craftsmanship, lie intertwined in harmonious union, their barrels bound together by elegant ribbons. Upon these ribbons, the cherished inscriptions of ‘Libertas & Patria’ are proudly emblazoned, resonating with the profound ideals of freedom and homeland that have long inspired the hearts of the valiant.

Adorning this noble blazon, the distinguished emblem of the city of Yverdon takes pride of place, marked by the prominent letter Y, accompanied by twin wavy lines that symbolize the flowing waters of the region, ever vital to its life and prosperity. This insignia serves as a reminder of the city’s rich heritage and its enduring spirit.

Yet, half concealed beneath a flourishing array of floral elements—each blossom a testament to the land's natural beauty—lies the sacred Cross of the Confederacy. This emblem, revered and steadfast, stands as the true strength behind the canton of Vaud, an unwavering guardian of the rights of independence and liberty for all its members. It whispers of the unity forged through trials and tribulations, a bond that transcends the passage of time.

In this tableau, the rifles, the emblem, and the Cross converge in a splendid homage to the ideals of courage and resilience, each element a thread woven into the rich tapestry of Vaud’s storied legacy. The floral adornments, vibrant and alive, serve to elevate these symbols, breathing life into the enduring principles of freedom and solidarity that have guided the hearts and hands of its people throughout the ages.

Background.

Yverdon is located in the heart of a natural setting formed by the Jura mountains, the plains of the Orbe, the hills of the Broye and Lake Neuchâtel.

The heights nearby Yverdon seem to have been settled at least since the Neolithic Age about 5000 BCE, as present archeological evidence shows. The town was at that time only a small market place, at the crossroads of terrestrial and fluvial communication ways. People began to settle, at first in temporary huts at the waterfront, for fishers and merchants, then in permanent dwellings.

In reminiscence of the humble beginnings of the municipal district of Yverdon, of the Canton Vaud.