Coin Pièce Switzerland 5 francs Silver 1965 B Bern

The 5 Francs Shepherd 1965 B is a Swiss coin issued by the Swiss Confederation, minted at the Bern mint, identified by the mintmark B. This coin belongs to the so-called "Shepherd" series, whose central motif is one of the most iconic designs in 20th-century Swiss numismatics.

Made of silver with a fineness of 835 thousandths, it has a weight of 15 grams and a diameter of 31.45 millimetres, dimensional and weight characteristics that give it a pleasing feel in the hand. The fine silver content reflects the monetary standards in force in Switzerland for this denomination during this period.

The obverse of the coin depicts a seated shepherd accompanied by his dog and sheep in an alpine landscape, evoking the Swiss pastoral tradition. This composition, the work of sculptor Paul Burkhard, is framed by the face value inscription and decorative elements characteristic of Swiss coinage of the era. The reverse features the Swiss federal coat of arms surrounded by the country's denomination and typical floral ornaments.

Issued in 1965 with a mintage of 5,021,000 specimens, this coin has a relatively moderate production volume for a circulation coin, making it a sought-after piece among collectors specialising in Swiss numismatics. The face value is 5 Swiss francs.

This coin is representative of the period during which Switzerland still maintained silver alloy coins for general circulation, before the gradual transition to non-precious metals for circulating coinage.