Roger Federer to have Swiss coin minted in his honour

Roger Federer. (Source: AP Photo)

Roger Federer is to become the first living Swiss to have a coin minted in their honour, with a commemorative 20 franc ($20.06) silver piece bearing his image being issued in January.

The 38-year-old 20-time Grand Slam champion is regarded by many as the greatest tennis player ever and is a national hero in Switzerland.

Swissmint confirmed that 55,000 of the coins, featuring Federer delivering a backhand, will be produced and will be available for pre-order from Tuesday until Dec. 19.

For the first time ever Swissmint will issue a commemorative coin for a person still alive ROGER FEDERER!

In January there will be a CHF 20.— Silver coin available and in May they will issue a CHF 50.— Gold coin! pic.twitter.com/0KwNUTVsao

— Brian (@camerlengo73_2) December 2, 2019

“Roger Federer’s sporting achievements, his charitable commitments, his easy-going nature and his accessibility to his fans have prompted Swissmint to dedicate this 20-franc silver coin to him – the first time it has done so with a living person,” a Swissmint spokesperson told Reuters.

With demand expected to be high, Swissmint said another 40,000 coins could be issued in May while a 50 franc gold coin, featuring a different design would also be produced next year.

“Thank you Switzerland and Swissmint for this incredible honour and privilege,” Federer wrote on Twitter.

Thank you Switzerland🇨🇭and Swissmint for this incredible honour and privilege. 🙏#DankeSchweiz#MerciLaSuisse#GrazieSvizzera#GraziaSvizra pic.twitter.com/gNs6qYjOh6

— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) December 2, 2019

This year’s commemorative Swiss coins included the 50th anniversary of the moon landings, the Furka Pass and the roe deer. The most recent sports-themed commemorative coin came out in 2015 and celebrated Hornussen — a traditional Swiss sport played by farmers involving a puck and a stick.