Eidgenossisches Freischiessen te Chaux de Fonds 1863

This commemorative silver coin was created by Gottfried Drentwett in 1865, marking the Federal Shooting Competition in Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. These shooting festivals were more than just marksmanship contests. They were powerful displays of national identity and unity in a country that had only recently formed its federal state in 1848. This coin, therefore, encapsulates the complex interplay between local pride and a burgeoning sense of national belonging. The imagery is rife with symbols of Swiss heritage. The coat of arms and architectural motifs speak to the nation's storied past and its aspirations for the future. But consider also what is not shown: the diverse experiences of women, the working class, and marginalized communities. This piece is a reminder that nation-building often involves selective storytelling. This coin invites us to reflect on how symbols shape our understanding of history. What stories do we tell ourselves about who we are, and who gets to be included in that narrative?