Fifty years ago, in March 1971, Swiss women got the right to vote at the national level. This spring Switzerland will commemorate the anniversary, and plans to issue a 50 fr gold coin. The design (see the attached image, from Swissmint) features a woman, who more or less closely resembles the allegorical Helvetia, casting a vote with one hand while holding the "50" with the other. The piece, designed by Karin Widmer, will be issued in late April.
It was precisely 50 years ago, on 7 February 1971, that the (male!) voters in Switzerland decided it was time to grant women that right as well. (See
Wikipedia.) The law became effective in mid-March, and in October 1971 women could vote and be elected at the national level.
Christian
