With the Matterhorn, Switzerland opened its series of bimetallic 10-franc commemoratives «Swiss Mountains» on 30 January 2004, and it is hard to imagine a more recognisable first subject. Above the stylised outline of the peak, both of its names are struck side by side, German and French: «MATTERHORN • CERVIN».

The design is by graphic artist Stephan Bundi, born in Trun in the Grisons. He studied graphic design in Bern and illustration at the State Academy of Fine Arts in Stuttgart, has run his own studio since 1975 and has won numerous awards. His signature «BUNDI» appears on the reverse; the other side carries the Swiss cross ringed by «CONFOEDERATIO HELVETICA», a large «10 FR», the date and the letter B, the mark of the Bern mint.

The Matterhorn rises 4,478 metres on the border between Switzerland and Italy. Edward Whymper was the first to reach its summit, on 14 July 1865. Today almost three million people a year travel to Zermatt at its foot, and between 1,000 and 1,500 climbers stand on the top every year.

The coin was struck by the Swiss Federal Mint (Swissmint): 98,000 pieces in standard quality and 13,000 in proof. It launched the mountain trio of 2004–2006, later joined by the Jungfrau and Piz Bernina.

Uncirculated (UNC) condition: the coin has never been in circulation, shows no wear and keeps its original mint lustre. In a collection of Swiss 10-franc pieces it is the starting point of the whole bimetallic line that Swissmint still continues every year.

Collecting a date run? Look for the neighbouring years of this type in the VPcoins catalogue.