1901 Luzern

Obverse.

Lady Helvetia doth stand as the noble allegory of the Confederacy, clad in formidable armor, prepared with a warrior’s resolve for the trials of battle. Upon her breastplate is engraved, with proud artistry, the blazon emblem of the Swiss Cross, a symbol of her unwavering strength and commitment to her land. Upon her head rests a helmet, adorned with a garland of alpine laurel, framing her visage with an air of dignity and valor, signifying the honor she carries as the protector of her realm.

With a steely gaze fixed steadfastly eastward, she embodies vigilance and readiness, ever prepared to defend the cherished freedoms and civil liberties that the Confederacy holds dear. As a true Protector, she welcomes all who seek to join her in the noble pursuit of everlasting unity, extending her hand to those who wish to share in her mission of strength and solidarity.

In the backdrop, the historic Schlachtkapelle, known as the Battle Chapel, stands as a solemn reminder of the valorous deeds once performed upon its hallowed ground. This sacred site, forever marked by the memory of the Battle of Sempach, bears witness to the courageous acts of old, inscribed deeply in the hearts of men. Here echoes the spirit of sworn brotherhood among fighting men, their resolute march toward a common cause, embodying the cherished values of the Confederacy and the defense of Helvetia’s rugged alpine lands.

It was at this momentous juncture that the loosely allied Confederacy transformed into a single, unified nation, a pivotal turning point that heralded the growth and maturation of Switzerland. Thus, Lady Helvetia stands not only as a symbol of strength and fortitude but also as a vigilant guardian of the enduring spirit of unity and freedom that binds her people together in a bond of unwavering allegiance.

Reverse.

The heraldic blazon of Lucerne, with its intricate design and rich symbolism, stands as a testament to the canton’s storied heritage. This emblem, beautifully adorned with floral motifs, reflects the deep-rooted connection of the Canton to its natural surroundings and its enduring traditions. Positioned prominently over the revered Cross, it serves as a powerful insignia, representing the faith and trust that the people of Lucerne place in the unity and solidarity of the Confederacy.

This Cross, a symbol of spiritual strength and divine protection, underscores the collective belief that the members of the Confederacy stand together as guardians of their shared values and liberties. It signifies the bonds that unite the cantons, reinforcing their commitment to one another in times of both peace and strife.

The singular floral laurel branch cradling this emblem speaks volumes of honor and victory, for the laurel has long been recognized as a symbol of triumph. This branch signifies the aspiration for excellence and the recognition of those who strive for greatness in service to their community and to the Confederacy at large. It embodies the spirit of cooperation and support among the cantons, illustrating that their strength lies not only in individual valor but also in the camaraderie and loyalty that binds them together.

In essence, the heraldic blazon of Lucerne encapsulates the very essence of the Canton’s identity, reflecting a legacy of unity, faith, and resilience that has weathered the trials of time. It is a proud declaration that the people of Lucerne, in harmony with their fellow cantons, stand resolute in their dedication to uphold the ideals of the Confederacy, forever striving for peace, strength, and mutual protection.

Background. 

“Helvetia is the female national personification of Switzerland. The allegory is typically pictured in a flowing gown, with a spear and a shield emblazoned with the Swiss flag, and commonly with braided hair, and with a wreath as a symbol of confederation. That name is derived from the Celtic Helvetii people who first entered the area around 100 B.C. Helvetia was also the Roman name for the region that is now western Switzerland.

The fashion of depicting the Swiss Confederacy in terms of female allegories arises in the 17th century. This replaces an earlier convention, popular in the 1580s, of representing Switzerland as a bull (Schweizer Stier). In the first half of the 17th century, there was not a single allegory identified as Helvetia. Rather, a number of allegories, representing both virtues and vices of the confederacy.

Identification of the Swiss as "Helvetians" (Hélvetiens) becomes common in the 18th century, Helvetia appears in patriotic and political artwork in the context of the construction of a national history and identity in the early 19th century, after the disintegration of the Napoleonic Helvetic Republic, and she appears on official federal coins and stamps from the foundation of Switzerland as a federal state in 1848.”

Helvetia is an important emblematic female personification of Switzerland, and the virtues of everlasting brotherhood, peace, liberty and staunch unity of the Suisse Confederacy.