The first coins from an alloy of copper and nickel were minted in the year 1879. Before that, the Swiss small coins contained a mixture from copper, zinc, nickel and silver. Together with the alloy, the Swiss small coins changed their image. Before, they simply bore a crest with the Swiss cross. Now, the Swiss mint began to embellish the pieces of 5, 10 and 20 rappens with the head of Libertas. Therewith began the series of coins bearing a woman's head, as they have been minted up to this day without any changes. In the history of modern coinage, this is an exceptional continuity.