# Geneva thaler

> currency of the Geneva Canton until 1798 (except briefly between 1794 and 1795) and between 1813 and 1839

**Wikidata**: [Q1144104](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1144104)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geneva_thaler)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/geneva-thaler

## Summary
The Geneva thaler was the official currency of the Geneva Canton, serving as the primary medium of exchange until 1798 and again between 1813 and 1839. Its usage was briefly interrupted between 1794 and 1795, marking a distinct historical period in the region's monetary history. This entity is classified as a specific instance of currency located in the Republic of Geneva.

## Key Facts
- **Entity Name**: Geneva thaler
- **Wikipedia Title**: Geneva thaler
- **Freebase ID**: `/m/02r1g8s` (Reference: Q15241312, Publication Date: 2013-10-28)
- **Classification**: Instance of `currency`
- **Geographic Location**: Located in the Canton of Geneva; Country: Republic of Geneva
- **Operational Period 1**: Active until 1798
- **Operational Period 2**: Active between 1813 and 1839
- **Interruption Period**: Usage ceased briefly between 1794 and 1795
- **Language Coverage**: Available in 5 Wikipedia language editions (ar, en, it, ms, ru)
- **Sitelink Count**: 5 total language links
- **Wikidata Description**: "currency of the Geneva Canton until 1798 (except briefly between 1794 and 1795) and between 1813 and 1839"

## FAQs
**What was the specific timeline of the Geneva thaler's circulation?**
The currency functioned as the standard medium of exchange in the Geneva Canton until 1798, with a notable suspension of its use between 1794 and 1795. It was reintroduced and remained in circulation from 1813 until 1839.

**Where was the Geneva thaler used and under what political entity?**
This currency was exclusively utilized within the Canton of Geneva, which was historically associated with the Republic of Geneva. It served as the designated monetary unit for this specific Swiss region during its active periods.

**How widely is the Geneva thaler documented in global knowledge bases?**
Documentation for this specific currency is limited compared to general concepts, appearing in only five language editions of Wikipedia: Arabic, English, Italian, Malay, and Russian. It is also indexed in the Freebase database under the identifier `/m.02r1g8s`.

## Why It Matters
The Geneva thaler represents a critical chapter in the monetary history of the Swiss canton of Geneva, illustrating the region's economic autonomy and its complex relationship with broader European political shifts during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Its discontinuation in 1798 and subsequent revival in 1813 reflect the turbulent era of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars, which frequently disrupted local currencies and administrative structures. Understanding this specific currency provides insight into how regional economies maintained identity and functioned during periods of foreign occupation and political reorganization. It serves as a tangible artifact of the transition from the Republic of Geneva to the modern Canton of Geneva, marking the evolution of Swiss federalism and monetary policy.

## Notable For
- **Distinct Operational Phases**: Unique for having two separate periods of official circulation (pre-1798 and 1813–1839) separated by a brief hiatus.
- **Historical Interruption**: Notable for the specific suspension of its use between 1794 and 1795, a rare detail in currency histories.
- **Regional Specificity**: Served exclusively as the currency for the Canton of Geneva, distinguishing it from national Swiss currencies.
- **Multilingual Documentation**: Despite its historical nature, it maintains presence in five distinct language versions of Wikipedia.
- **Digital Identification**: Possesses a verified Freebase ID (`/m/02r1g8s`) linking it to structured knowledge graphs.

## Body

### Historical Timeline and Usage
The Geneva thaler functioned as the primary currency for the Canton of Geneva during two distinct eras. Its initial period of validity extended until 1798, marking the end of the Republic of Geneva's independence prior to French annexation. During this era, the currency was briefly suspended between 1794 and 1795, a specific interruption in its otherwise continuous use. Following the political upheavals of the early 19th century, the thaler was reinstated as the official currency in 1813. It remained the standard medium of exchange for the region until 1839, when it was eventually replaced or demonetized.

### Geographic and Political Context
This currency was intrinsically linked to the political geography of the time. It was the designated money of the **Republic of Geneva**, a sovereign entity that later became the **Canton of Geneva** within the Swiss Confederation. The currency's existence is tied directly to the administrative boundaries of the Canton of Geneva. Its lifecycle mirrors the political status of Geneva, transitioning from an independent republic to a French department and finally to a Swiss canton.

### Digital Presence and Knowledge Base Integration
In modern digital knowledge systems, the Geneva thaler is cataloged with specific identifiers to ensure accurate retrieval and cross-referencing.
- **Freebase**: The entity is assigned the ID `/m/02r1g8s`. This entry references the Wikidata item Q15241312 and was published on October 28, 2013.
- **Wikipedia**: The article "Geneva thaler" exists in five languages: Arabic (`ar`), English (`en`), Italian (`it`), Malay (`ms`), and Russian (`ru`). This results in a total sitelink count of 5.
- **Classification**: In Wikidata, it is strictly defined as an `instance of` currency.
- **Description**: The canonical description used across these platforms is "currency of the Geneva Canton until 1798 (except briefly between 1794 and 1795) and between 1813 and 1839."

### Relationship to Broader Economic Concepts
While the Geneva thaler is a specific historical instance, it falls under the broader class of `currency`. As a currency, it served as a generally accepted medium of exchange for goods and services within its jurisdiction. It functioned as a unit of account for pricing local transactions and a store of value for the citizens of the Canton of Geneva. Unlike general concepts of currency which may have hundreds of language editions and thousands of related properties, the Geneva thaler is a specialized historical entity with a focused scope limited to its specific time and place. Its existence highlights the diversity of monetary systems that have operated within the Swiss region before the standardization of the Swiss Franc.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013