10 francs - Morteratsch glacier

The Morteratsch glacier is one of the larger glaciers in the Alps and the largest in the Bernina region in the canton of Graubünden. It reached its peak extension during the Little Ice Age of the mid-19th century. Since then it has receded by about three kilometres in length, shrinking by about 40 metres a year. Meltwater flowing down has caused several caves to form under the glacier tongue, the end of the ice stream. In earlier times, the Morteratsch glacier stretched down into the valley, which is why it is also referred to as a valley glacier. Today, the glacier is still around 6.4km long and covers an area of 14.9km2. Climate change means that most of the world's glaciers are retreating. Efforts are therefore underway to stop glaciers shrinking, e.g. by covering the ice surface during the warm season. The new 10-franc bimetallic coin will be available in a limited edition in uncirculated and proof quality from our online shop from 13 January 2022, as well as from certain coin dealers and banks. The design was created by Swissmint engraver Remo Mascherini.