1900 Amrisweil

Actual 45 mm size by Franz Homberg, Bern / Sallmann, Amriswil

Obverse.

The noblemen, resplendent in their customary finery, display an air of grandeur befitting their lineage. Each garment is intricately adorned, showcasing the insignia of the imperial double-headed eagle, that proud heraldic beast emblematic of the Holy Roman Emperor. Upon their heads rest tri-feathered hats, a distinctive mark of their noble pedigree, reflecting both their status and the rich traditions of their heritage.

Among them stands a distinguished standard bearer, his demeanor dignified and composed. He firmly holds aloft the flagpole, which proudly displays the colors of his esteemed patron lord, signifying loyalty and honor. Beside him, another nobleman strides purposefully, his hand resting upon the hilt of his trusty blade, an unmistakable posture of readiness, as if he is prepared to engage in a manner most baneful should the need arise.

In stark contrast, at the receiving end of such aggression stands a traditionally garbed maiden of Swiss heritage. Her presence is marked by an unyielding calm, for she exhibits no fear in the face of impending conflict. Her bare feet, grounded against the earth, symbolize her sincerity of purpose and unwavering resolve. With one open hand extended towards her approaching opponent, she seeks to avert further discord, a gesture of peace in a moment fraught with tension. In her other hand, she clutches a rolled scroll, her chosen instrument of declaration, poised to proclaim her intentions of reconciliation and harmony.

In the background, the imposing form of Rheintorturm rises majestically, the great bulwark bastion of the city of Konstanz, a site steeped in history and the backdrop to many legendary battles. Its steadfast presence serves as a reminder of the tumultuous past. Further afield, the ancient Massif Immenberg stands silently, a watchful spectator to the endless array of historical events that have unfolded across the ages, bearing witness to both strife and resolution throughout the passage of time. Thus, the scene encapsulates the dichotomy of conflict and peace, tradition and progress, all interwoven within the rich tapestry of Swiss heritage.

Reverse.

Upon the proud display of Thurgau's coat of arms, lush leafy laurels embrace the fine blazon, symbolizing victory and honor bestowed upon the land. These verdant adornments, rich in greenery, evoke a sense of fertility and strength, emblematic of the canton’s natural bounty and enduring spirit.

In the left top corner, there doth hang the esteemed Perkussionsstutzer, the rifle of choice for the sharpshooters of this noble region. Its craftsmanship is a testament to the skill of the artisans who forge such instruments, designed not only for precision but also for the pride of those who wield it. The rifle’s presence alongside the blazon signifies the valor and dedication of the marksmen who uphold the traditions of Thurgau, standing ready to defend their land and heritage.

Thus, the harmonious union of the laurels and the Perkussionsstutzer upon the coat of arms encapsulates the essence of Thurgau: a proud canton that honors its past while remaining steadfast in its pursuit of excellence and unity among its people.

Background.

The Treaty of Basel

The Treaty of Basel of 22 September 1499 was an armistice following the Battle of Dornach, concluding the Swabian War, fought between the Swabian League and the Old Swiss Confederacy.

Jurisdiction over Thurgau, previously an Imperial loan to the city of Constance, was to pass to the Swiss Confederacy. The imperial ban and all embargoes against the Swiss cantons were to discontinue. In 19th-century Swiss historiography, the treaty was presented as an important step towards de facto independence of the Swiss Confederacy from the Holy Roman Empire.

The Confederacy was substantially strengthened as a polity within the Empire by the treaty, and an immediate consequence of this was the accession of Basel and Schaffhausen in 1501, as part of the expansion (1481–1513) from the late medieval Eight Cantons to the early modern Thirteen Cantons.

Battle of Dornach

The Battle of Dornach was a battle fought on 22 July 1499 between the troops of Emperor Maximilian I and the Old Swiss Confederacy close to the Swiss village of Dornach. The battle turned into a decisive defeat for Maximilian, and concluded the Swabian War between the Swiss and the Swabian League.

On 19 July, Imperial troops marching on Dorneck Castle were sighted, and Solothurn called Bern for help. Bern sent 5000 troops, Zurich 400, and smaller contingents from Uri, Unterwalden and Zug also started to move to Dornach. On 20 July, 600 troops left Lucerne. The Austrians had about 16,000 troops. Many of these were bathing in the Birs. The first attacks on 22 July were executed by the troops of Bern, Zurich and Solothurn, but they were beaten back. Only with the arrival of the reinforcements from Lucerne and Zug, which suddenly broke out of the woods "with horns and shouting" were the Imperial troops turned to flight after several hours' fighting.

The battle of Dornach was the last armed conflict between the Swiss and any member state of the Holy Roman Empire. The Treaty of Basel of 22 September was the conclusion of the war. It was a strategic victory for the Swiss Confederacy, revoking the imperial ban against the Swiss cantons, legalising the alliance of the League of the Ten Jurisdictions with the Confederates and placing the Thurgau under Swiss jurisdiction.

In memory of the Treaty of Basel, an agreement between the Confederacy and the Swabian league of the Holy Roman Emperor, Maximilian I, whereby the Canton of Thurgau was ceded to the confederates.