Complete Guide to the Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint)

When Did the Euro Enter France?

While the euro officially replaced the French franc in 2002, it was first introduced to France in 1999 when 11 European Union member states, including France, adopted it as their official currency.  Between 1999 and 2002 both the Franc and the euro were legal tender. However, this dual circulation period officially ended in 2002. This transition occurred 41 years after France became a founding member of the European Economic Community (later the EU) in 1958, driven by a desire to promote democracy, human rights, and economic integration.

Franc Napoleon Coin 

The Franc Napoleon, also known as the Napoleon Gold Franc, is one of France's most iconic coins, symbolizing the legacy of Napoleon Bonaparte and the French Empire. First minted in 1803, these French gold coins  depicted Napoleon’s image with a fineness of 90%.  The Franc Napoleon coins were also made in denominations of 5 to 100 francs and produced until 1815 when Napoleon was defeated at Waterloo. However, Napoleon coins would live on in name, if not in spirit, and were issued with the portraits of various kings, emperors, and presidents until the beginning of World War I in 1914.

1 Franc Coin 

The 1 Franc coin, first minted in 1795, was introduced during the French Revolution as part of the decimalized monetary system. Initially struck in 90% silver and 10% copper, its designs evolved over time to reflect France’s cultural and political shifts. The 1915 1 Franc coin is one example, which features the Sower—a woman sowing seeds—on the obverse and an olive branch surrounded by the French motto “LIBERTÉ, ÉGALITÉ, FRATERNITÉ” (Liberty, Equality, Fraternity) on the reverse. The 1 Franc coin was produced until 1959, and the denomination remained in circulation until 2002 when it was replaced by the euro.

The previously mentioned Sower design has a long legacy in French numismatics, having appeared on the 50-centime and 1, 2, and 5-franc coins through 1920. The Paris Mint still uses sower imagery on special issues of modern collectible coinage, such as the 2024 Liberty and Sower Proofs.

Europa Star Series

The Europa Star initiative launched in 2004, aimed to unite monetary institutions across Europe around a shared theme. Most recently, in 2020, the Monnaie de Paris contributed to the series with coin designs in 99.9% gold and 90% silver proof quality. The coins highlight three iconic elements: the Cathedral of Notre Dame with its stained-glass windows, the Lady and the Unicorn, and monk illuminators. These features are showcased on the reverse side and are available in 10, 20, 50, and 200-euro denominations.

Previous Europa Star series themes include time periods such as the modern 20th century, the Age of Iron and Glass, the Renaissance, and more. 

“French Rooster” 20-Franc Gold Coin

The French Rooster 20-Franc Gold Coin, minted from 1899 to 1914, is one of France’s most iconic and collectible gold coins. With a composition of 90% gold (0.1867 troy ounces of pure gold) and a diameter of 21 millimeters, the coin's obverse features Marianne, the symbol of the French Republic, wearing a Phrygian cap of liberty. The reverse showcases a detailed Gallic Rooster, a national emblem of France. The rooster is encircled by the motto “LIBERTÉ, ÉGALITÉ, FRATERNITÉ” (Liberty, Equality, Fraternity). Its elegant, classic designs and high gold content make it a favorite among collectors worldwide.

History of United States Independence Series 

The Monnaie de Paris launched the "History of United States Independence" coin series in 2020, notably drawing inspiration from historical medals and assets in its archives. These coins honor American Independence and close relationship with France while showcasing the mint’s exceptional craftsmanship, replicating intricate designs from history. The collection features unique elements such as octagonal shapes, high-relief engravings, and replicated patinas. Thus far, the series has commemorated significant historical moments in France and America’s close relationship during the Revolutionary War, including the arrival of Marquis de La Fayette in Boston, George Washington’s arrival in Boston, the iconic Great Seal of the United States, and the famous Libertas Americana Medal.

2024 Liberty and Sower Silver and Gold Coins 

In 2024, collectors were treated to the first-ever collaboration between former U.S. Mint Chief Engraver and prolific coin designer John Mercanti and the Paris Mint and its chief Engraver, Joaquin Jimenez. Known as the Liberty & Sower design, the most famous designers of each country joined forces to produce a stunning series of coins that pay tribute to each nation's allegorical figures, Liberty and the Sower. The Mercanti design shows the Sower sprinkling the seeds of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity while the French flag flies in the background. Meanwhile, Jimenez’s design depicts Miss Liberty as a supple young woman holding the American Flag behind her just as an athlete would after winning an Olympic event.