Under that law, the franc coin would contain 4.5 grams of silver and 0.5 of alloy metal, for a total weight of five grams. The first 1-franc coin was minted in 1795.

The Swiss franc is worth more than a U.S. dollar and the 5 franc coin is minted in a large size with actual heft, a coin one wants to carry and spend, and something Mr. Scrooge would gleefully stack.