France

Modern portrait of Marianne, the personification of the French Republic.

Modern portrait of Marianne, the personification of the French Republic.

Modern portrait of Marianne, the personification of the French Republic.

A sower, a traditional feature of French coins and stamps since 1898.

A sower, a traditional feature of French coins and stamps since 1898.

A sower, a traditional feature of French coins and stamps since 1898.

The modified designs are in line with the symbolism of the previous designs of the 1 and 2 euro coins: the tree of life. They represent a mixture of the two species that make up the emblem of the Republic: the oak, image of strength and solidity, and the olive tree, symbol of peace.

A tree, drawn by the artist Joaquim Jimenez, appears on these coins, symbolising life, continuity and growth. It is contained in a hexagon and encircled by the motto of the Republic, "Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité" (Liberty, equality, fraternity).

The modified designs are in line with the symbolism of the previous designs of the 1 and 2 euro coins: the tree of life. They represent a mixture of the two species that make up the emblem of the Republic: the oak, image of strength and solidity, and the olive tree, symbol of peace.

A tree, drawn by the artist Joaquim Jimenez, appears on these coins, symbolising life, continuity and growth. It is contained in a hexagon and encircled by the motto of the Republic, "Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité" (Liberty, equality, fraternity).

One hundred years after the Paris 1924 Olympic Games, the French capital will once again host the Summer Games in 2024. One year before the launch of the Olympic Games, the Monnaie de Paris is continuing the celebration by counting down to the start of the Games by highlighting its heritage and that of Paris. An event with international echo whose intensity gradually increases in the years leading up to the event, with already several €2 commemorative coins dedicated to the Olympic Games over the past years. The design of the coin depicts the Sower, a national figure and icon of French numismatics, practicing pugilism, the forerunner of boxing, in reference to the Antic Olympic Games. Her silhouette is in the foreground in front of the Pont-Neuf and its surroundings, typical of the Ile de la Cité area, a key element of the Parisian landscape. In the background, an athletic track, into which the emblem of Paris 2024 is inserted on the right-hand side, is represented. The year date, the RF mention and the mintmarks are inserted under the arch, on the bridge railing and in the Seine. The coin’s outer ring bears the 12 stars of the European flag.

Issued date: January 2023

On the occasion of the Rugby World Cup organised in France, Monnaie de Paris celebrates rugby and this competition which will bring together teams from twenty nations. The design represents a stylized rugby player making a pass. In the background, the rugby field is the globe on which the rugby goalposts are placed. The set is part of an imaginary rugby galaxy where the other planets are oval. The emblem of the competition is inserted next to the player, while the name of the competition surrounds the design. The indication of the issuing country ‘RF’, the mintmark and the mint master mark are inserted under the image on the right-hand side. The name of the competition, the issuing country ‘FRANCE’ and the year ‘2023’ are inserted on the left hand side. The name of the competition surrounding the design, as well as and the ‘RF’ mention appear in the official font of the event, called Mobius. The coin’s outer ring bears the 12 stars of the European flag.

Issued date: July 2023

Common issue

The design is a mix of two major elements of the Erasmus programme: the original intellectual inspiration, Erasmus himself, and the allegory of its influence over Europe.

The first one is symbolised by one of the most known depiction of Erasmus.

The second one is symbolised by a beam of links going across the coin from a beacon to another, representing the numerous intellectual and human exchanges between the European students.

As a reference to Europe, some of these links form other stars, born from the synergy between the countries.

The figure 35, for 35th anniversary comes out from the stars in a contemporary graphical style.

The outer ring depicts the twelve stars of the European flag.

Issued date: July 2022

President of the French Republic for two terms, Jacques Chirac was a major architect of the European construction. As such, he was President when the Euro was introduced in 2002, whose 20th anniversary we celebrate at the beginning of this year.

The design shows a solemn profile of President Jacques Chirac looking towards the future. He is surrounded by several symbols representing his actions: a euro symbol, as sign of his involvement in the introduction of the Euro and his European spirit, and a French flag represented in heraldic colours, itself embellished with the RF as a reference to his presidency. His dates and name are inserted in the Euro’s logo. The mintmarks as well as the year date fit into the design.

The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.

Issued date: January 2022

One hundred years after the 1924 Olympic Games, France is once again hosting the Summer Games, which will take place in Paris in 2024, an event with international echo whose intensity gradually builds in the years leading up to the event. On the occasion of the countdown to the Olympic Games, Monnaie de Paris wishes to celebrate the road to the Games. It therefore plans to issue each year 2022, 2023 and 2024 a commemorative two-euro coin with an original face celebrating the Games, through the heritage of France and Paris. The design represents the genius, a national figure and icon of French numismatics. It is depicted practicing discus throwing in an ‘ancient’ way in reference to the Olympic Games of the Antique era. His silhouette blends with the one of the Arc de Triomphe, a key element of Parisian heritage. It forms a common axis with this emblematic monument of victory. In the background, an athletics track in which the emblem of Paris 2024 is inserted on the right side, is represented. The year date, the mention RF and the mintmarks are inserted under the arch and around the foot of the Arc. The coin’s outer ring bears the 12 stars of the European flag.

Issued date: September 2022

The design shows an allegory of the work of ‘UNICEF’ where the hands are a key element. One after the other they support the globe and are the link between the different areas of the Earth. The mention of the 75th anniversary as well as the laurels crown the ensemble accompanied by the acronym RF. On the upper rim, the name ‘UNICEF’ is inserted along with the relevant dates as well as the UNICEF motto ‘For each child’.

The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.

Issued date: March 2021

Since 1896, date of their ‘creation’ by Frenchman Pierre de Coubertin, the Olympic Games of the modern era have been an unprecedented human gathering that has never ceased except during world conflicts. After passing through Brazil and Japan in the last two editions, the Summer Olympics are returning to Europe and this event with strong international resonance takes over the city of Paris a century after the games of 1924.

On the occasion of the countdown to the Olympic Games in Paris 2024, Monnaie de Paris wishes to celebrate the road to the games through a mix of Paris and the French numismatic heritage. The intensity thus gradually rises during the years preceding the event.

The design represents Marianne, national figure and icon of French numismatics, running in an ‘old’ way in reference to the Olympic Games of the Ancient Era. Its silhouette blends with the Eiffel Tower, a key element of Parisian heritage, to form a common axis with the Iron Lady. In the background, an athletics track in which the emblem of Paris 2024 is inserted on the left side, is depicted. The year date, the mention RF and the mintmarks are inserted under the arch of the tower.

The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.

Issued date: September 2021

The design represents two profiles of Charles de Gaulle at two different times. The profile in the background shows Charles de Gaulle in army general is uniform during the call to arms of the 18th June 1940 or during the liberation of Paris. The profile in the foreground represents Charles de Gaulle during his second presidential term of office. Finally, the mention RF is semi-integrated in a Lorraine cross, symbol of free France chosen by General de Gaulle in 1940. His dates of birth and death as well as the year date are also inscribed in the Lorraine cross.

Issued date: February 2020

The design shows the figuration of the human in union, represented by a face inscribed in a sphere. It faces the infinitely small, represented by fragments of DNA inscribed in a circle. By its oblique axis, this allegory represents the research and its intelligence dominating the infinitely small, studying it and triumphing over the diseases. The indication of the issuing country “RF” is located at the top right while the mintmark and the year of issuance “2020” are located at the bottom left.

Issued date: October 2020

For 60 years, Asterix has been a true icon of the French culture. Created in 1959 by scenarist René Goscinny and cartoonist Albert Uderzo, this character embodies the Frenchman with his smartness and sharpness through the Gallic identity. Apart from its artistic line, depicting contemporary society with humour has brought Asterix a great international fame for many years. Since its inception, it has been translated into all the languages of the European Union meeting a huge success. The reputation of Asterix is for example as strong in Germany as in France. It has also been very well established in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Italy and Scandinavia for many years. Beyond the French icon, Asterix has become a true figure of the European 9th art. The design represents Asterix in profile wearing his famous winged helmet. He is surrounded by laurels and Roman inscriptions referring to his 60 years. At the top is the inscription ‘ASTÉRIX’ and underneath the indication of the issuing country ‘RF’ (standing for République française). The year of issuance ‘2019’ is inscribed at the bottom, together with the French mintmark and mintmaster mark. The coin’s outer ring bears the 12 stars of the European Union.

Issued date: June 2019

Thirty years ago, the Berlin Wall fell. Beyond the impact on German society, it was an event with global consequences. On November 9th, 1989, this occasion marks the end of the cold war and announces an appeasement after several decades of international tensions. At the European level, it is the first step towards the reunification of one of the leading countries of the European Union. This major change was after materialised by the Moscow Treaty of which France was a signatory. The European Union welcomed then 16 million new citizens in just one year; almost the structural and economic effect of welcoming a new country!
The design represents the Berlin Wall, opened in its centre, letting the doves (allegories of the international appeasement), and the jubilant crowd pass. In the background, the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin’s symbol par excellence, is represented. The mention ‘30 ans de la chute du Mur de Berlin/30 Jahre Mauerfall’ is inscribed on one side of the wall. At the bottom of the design is the year of issuance ‘2019’ and at its right the indication of the issuing country ‘RF’ (standing for République française). The coin’s outer ring bears the 12 stars of the European Union.

Issued date: October 2019

For 100 years, the cornflower (Bleuet de France) has been the flower of remembrance and solidarity in France. It started as a means of helping injured veterans of the First World War, but before long had been adopted by the whole French nation as a symbol of gratitude for the sacrifices the soldiers had made to defend their country and their ideals. Today, as in the past, the cornflower still provides moral and financial support to veterans and victims of wars past and present and to victims of terrorism. It also helps pass on to young people standards and values such as respect, peace and tolerance. This flower of remembrance honours all those who fought and are still fighting for our freedom today. The design features the cornflower in the centre of the coin. It is surrounded by the words ‘Le Bleuet de France, fleur de mémoire et de solidarité’ (Bleuet of France, flower of remembrance and solidarity). The dates ‘1918-2018’ as well as the letters RF for République Française (French Republic) and the mint marks are also included in the design. The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.

Issued date: February 2018

The design displays a portrait of Simone Veil, an icon in the combat for women’s rights. Simone Veil, born Jacob, left us in June 2017 at the age of 89. After surviving deportation to Auschwitz, she went on to become one of the most important actors in Europe’s building. She was the first elected president of the European Parliament from 1979 to 1982. She symbolizes the depenalization of abortion she fought for with the law bearing her name voted in 1975. In 2008, she is elected at the French Academy. Her deportation registration number appears on her collar. The background depicts the European Parliament on which her name, key dates, indication of the country "RF", year of issuance "2018" and the mintmarks are inscribed. The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.

Issued date: June 2018

For the 100th anniversary of his passing away, Monnaie de Paris pays tribute to the illustrious French sculptor Auguste Rodin. Born in 1840, he is one of the major icons of the realistic style. His works such as The Thinker, The Kiss, The Hell’s Door or The Calais’ Bourgeois remain timeless masterpieces of the world sculpture. The design represents Auguste Rodin and The Thinker, his best known work, like forehead to forehead. The RF mention standing for République Française is drawn as sculpted on the top of the coin. The name of the artist "A. Rodin" and the relevant dates "1917-2017" are inscribed in his beard. The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.

Issued date: February 2017

Since the 1990s, the fight against breast cancer has been a major cause around the world. On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the pink ribbon, iconic symbol of this fight, Monnaie de Paris has decided to support this cause. For nearly 15 years, a pink ribbon prize has been presented every year to support research efforts and innovation. The design represents a woman’s bust symbolically protected by a hand and the ribbon. It is surrounded, at the right side, by the inscription ‘25e ANNIVERSAIRE DU RUBAN ROSE’ (25th anniversary of the pink ribbon). The right side also features the years ‘1992 – 2017’, the indication of the issuing country ‘RF’ and the mintmarks. The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.

Issued date: September 2017

Held every four years since 1960, the UEFA men’s football European Championship, commonly referred to as ‘the Euro’, will take place in France from 10 June to 10 July 2016. Euro 2016, the fifteenth edition of the European Football Championship, is organised by the Union of European Football Associations and brings together the best men’s football teams in Europe. The winner of the competition receives a small-scale version of the Henri Delaunay Cup, named after the man who invented the competition.

Issued date: February 2016

The design shows a profile of a pensive François Mitterrand. Adjacent is his personal emblem of a half oak/half olive tree. Above are the dates marking the centenary of his birth (‘1916’ and ‘2016’) and his name. At the bottom, the indication of the issuing country “RF”. The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.

Issued date: September 2016

In the coin's central field is a modern graphic representation of a dove. It is carrying an olive branch, the symbol of peace, whose branches have been replaced by the 12 stars of the European flag. The 28 countries of the European Union are represented by the ISO code for each country. The letters RF (République Française) are at the bottom of the coin. The mint marks are on the left-hand side and the year 2015 on the right. The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.

Issued date: January 2015

Common issue

Twelve stars that morph into human figures are embracing the birth of a new Europe. The design shows the EU flag as a symbol that unites people and cultures with shared visions and ideals for a better common future.

Issued date: November 2015

The French national holiday brings the people of France together in celebration of the Republic. The design shows Marianne, the symbol of the Republic, depicted in profile in a graphic, contemporary style. She is wearing the Phrygian cap. On the right, the tricolour cockade appears in outline above the letters RF. The year is written in the centre of the coin. The left side features a stanza from the poem ‘Liberté’ by the French poet Paul Eluard, an allusion to the motto of the French Republic. The mint marks appear alongside this extract.

Issued date: July 2015

The inner part of the coin depicts Tove Jansson's portrait. Under the portrait the signature "Tove Jansson" and the years "1914-2001". At the left the indication of the issuing country "FI". At the right the year of issuance "2014" and the mint mark.

Issued date: November 2014

In the coinʼs central field the word D-DAY is written in such a way as to depict a landing craft and a tank gun barrel. The years 1944-2014 appear above the tank gun, with the inscription ʻ70e anniversaire du débarquementʼ further down. The distinctive footprints left by the boots worn by American, British and Canadian troops are gradually disappearing in the sand, washed away by a wave. The words of a poem by Verlaine used as a code for the start of the landings are engraved on the wave: ʻLes sanglots longs des violons de l'automne blessent mon coeur d'une langueur monotoneʼ. The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.

Issued date: June 2014

The inner part of the coin depicts the face of Pierre de Coubertin still young. Stylized Olympic rings form the background. They provide the framework for silhouettes symbolizing the Olympic sports. At the left, the indication of the issuing country "RF" and the year "2013". At the top, the inscription "PIERRE DE COUBERTIN" in semi-circle.

Issued date: June 2013

The coin, which was designed by Yves Sampo of the Monnaie de Paris, Stefanie Lindner of the Berlin State Mint, Alina Hoyer (Berlin) and Sneschana Russewa-Hoyer (Berlin), depicts stylised portraits of the Élysée Treaty’s signatories (the then-Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany Konrad Adenauer and the former President of the French Republic Charles de Gaulle), their signatures and the words “50 ANS JAHRE” with the year “2013” in the centre, the words “TRAITÉ DE L’ÉLYSÉE” at the top and the words “ÉLYSÉE-VERTRAG” at the bottom.

Issued date: January 2013

Common issue

The Euro-sign in the centre of the coin shows that the Euro has become an element of particular importance in Europe as well all over the world as the Euro evolved to a global player in the international monetary system in the last 10 years. The design elements around the Euro-symbol on the coin express the importance of the Euro to the people, to the financial world (ECB tower), to trading (ships), to industry (factories), to the energy sector and research and development (wind power stations). The initials AH of the artist appear under the image of the ECB tower. The name(s) of the issuing country in the national language(s) appear(s) at the top, while the indication 2002-2012 appears at the bottom.

Issued date: January 2012

The coin depicts a portrait of the Abbé Pierre, with its béret, and the logo of its foundation, with a microtext mentioning "Et les Autres?" which was its favorite motto to recall that one should never forget to help the others. The letters "RF" do appear for "République Française" together with the horn of plenty, mintmark of Monnaie de Paris on the left side, and the "fleurette", hallmark of the engraving workshop on the right side.

Issued date: July 2012

The design commemorates the 30th anniversary of the French "Fête de la musique" (Music Day), which first took place in France in 1982 and has since spread to many other countries. The purpose of this all-night music celebration on the summer solstice is to promote music for amateur and professional musicians with free concerts open to the public. The centre of the coin shows a group of singers and musicians with the inscription referring to the 30th anniversary and the event of 21 June 2011 above them. The acronym RF features at the bottom right side.

Issued date: June 2011

The coin commemorates the 70th anniversary of the appeal (“Appel du 18 Juin”) made by General Charles de Gaulle, the leader of the Free French Forces, on the BBC in London on 18 June 1940. Following the fall of France, De Gaulle spoke to the French people declaring that the war was not yet over. The speech is the origin of the French Resistance against the occupation during World War II.

Issued date: June 2010

Common issue

The centre of the coin shows a stylised human figure whose left arm is prolonged by the euro symbol. The initials ΓΣ of the artist appear below the euro symbol. The name(s) of the issuing country in the national language(s) appear(s) at the top, while the indication 1999-2009 and the acronym EMU translated into the national language(s) appear at the bottom.

Issued date: January 2009

The inner part of the coin features the following inscription: ‘2008 PRÉSIDENCE FRANÇAISE UNION EUROPÉENNE RF’. The currency mark and the mintmaster's mark are located below, to the left and the right respectively.

Issued date: July 2008

Common issue

The coin shows the treaty with the signatures of the six founding countries on a background evoking the paving – designed by Michelangelo – of the Piazza del Campidoglio in Rome, where the Treaty was signed on 25 March 1957, giving birth to the modern-day European Union.

Issued date: March 2007