2017-09-21 Thu

A new 50-franc gold collector coin commemorating a Saint Bernard dog Barry was released on 14th September by Swiss mint. The 11.29 g coin has a mintage limit of 4,500 and come along with numbered certificates of authenticity.

Augustine Chorherren was built in the 11th century as a refuge for travelers and pilgrims at the Great St. Bernhard Pass which is 2469 m above sea level. From the mid-17th century, huge mountain dogs known as St. Bernards, lived there. The presence of such dogs was documented in 1707. These rescue dogs saved many lives and helped travelers crossing the Alps covered with snow and fog. There are stories that they accompanied soldiers who crossed the pass with Napoleon Bonaparte in 1800 who also promoted Saint Bernard dogs in Europe in the 19th century.

It is said that Saint Bernard named “Barry” lived at the hospice between 1800 and 1812 and saved over 40 lives. Saint Bernard breed got its reputation after this story. The Natural History Museum in Berne explains these legends in detail.