TENNIS great Roger Federer is to become the first living Swiss to have a coin minted in their honor, with a commemorative 20 franc (US$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 yesterday until Dec. 19.

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 honor and privilege,” Federer wrote on Twitter.(SD-Agencies)