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Cele mai frumoase monede ale anului 2025 - 30.08.2026

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A coin designed to be passed from hand to hand, a 2-euro piece, a cosmic phenomenon that Albert Einstein never witnessed, and even a lipstick-shaped issue. The best coins in the world for 2025 already have names and prove that today there's no single way to surprise a collector.

The international Coin of the Year 2026 awards, often considered the "Oscars of numismatics," have recognized ten issues in as many categories. The selection includes precious metals, technical innovations, compelling historical narratives, and coins whose appearance seems to defy our very notion of what we expect to find in a legal tender coin.

Among them all, one has achieved something her country had been pursuing for over four decades: winning the competition's top prize for the first time. And she didn't need to adopt a strange shape or resort to a complicated technological effect to do so.

From about 600 candidates to a single winner

The process began with around 600 coins submitted from various countries. A committee narrowed that number down to 100 finalists, ten in each of the ten categories, and an international jury of over 100 specialists then selected the winners. A second vote was held among these ten coins to decide the Coin of the Year.

Although the awards are dated 2026, the coins being evaluated were issued in 2025. The ceremony was held on August 27, 2026 in Pittsburgh, coinciding with the American Numismatic Association's World's Fair of Money.

The coin that has given his country a historic victory

"Chinese Dragon"

The 10 yuan silver "Chinese Dragon" coin won two awards: best crown coin and Coin of the Year 2026. This is the first time China has won the overall prize, despite having accumulated numerous nominations and category wins since the competition's inception.

Minted by the Shenzhen Guobao Mint for the People's Bank of China, the coin features a dragon advancing through clouds. Wang Hu Ming's design is not a generic fantasy: it draws inspiration from a Tang Dynasty golden dragon and the famous Nine Dragon Wall of Beijing's Forbidden City.

The other side, designed by He Chun and Jiang Qian Qian, depicts a winding section of the Great Wall traversing a mountainous landscape. The visual relationship is particularly effective: from a distance, the structure takes on an almost organic movement, as if another dragon were traversing the peaks. The coin thus brings together two of China's most recognizable symbols without resorting to an elaborate composition.

Austria: the rituals of the Hallstatt culture

"Beliefs and rituals"

The award for the most historically significant coin went to the third and final installment of the Austrian series "The White Gold of Hallstatt." Its 20-euro silver coin explores the spiritual world of an Iron Age culture that thrived on salt mining and trade. One side features a bowl decorated with a bull and two skeletons, reminiscent of the large cemetery discovered by Johann Georg Ramsauer in 1846. The other depicts a fire ceremony, accompanied by a waterfowl, an animal that may have symbolized the divine due to its ability to travel on land, water, and air.

The 2 euro coins from Notre-Dame are among the best in the world

"Notre-Dame de Paris" 

France won the award for best coin commemorating a contemporary event with its €2 coin celebrating the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. After the fire of April 15, 2019, and five years of reconstruction, the cathedral reopened to the public in December 2024. The coin, issued in 2025, features a frontal view of its western façade, with the large rose window emerging between the two towers, and incorporates the official Notre-Dame logo along the edge. Compared to other large and elaborately crafted contenders, the strength of this piece lies in condensing an instantly recognizable image and a globally followed event into the small, approximately €2 coin.

A new American freedom: a sunflower and a bee

"American Liberty"

The United States Mint departed from the usual female personifications of Liberty to offer a completely different interpretation. On the obverse of this one-ounce gold $100 coin, a sunflower and a bee represent the care and responsibility necessary to preserve liberty. The reverse depicts an eagle enveloped in a swirling, almost turbulent movement. The coin, designed by Christopher Polentz and struck in high relief with 99.99% pure gold, had a maximum mintage of 12,000 pieces.

The phenomenon that Einstein thought we would never see

"Einstein Ring"

The finest silver coin transforms into metal an effect produced when the gravity of a massive object bends the light from a galaxy behind it. If the alignment is nearly perfect, the distant image can appear multiplied in a ring shape. Einstein explained the principle, though he doubted it would ever be observed; the first such ring was identified in 1979. The Austrian 20-euro coin uses a curved, three-dimensional surface, a scientific formula, and a color application to depict both the path of the light and the visible result of the phenomenon.

The winning coin that can appear in the change

"Hungarian Academy of Sciences"

Not all the winning coins were created exclusively for collectors. Hungary won the award for best circulating coin with a commemorative 200-forint version, of which one million were minted. It's worth remembering that in 1825, Count István Széchenyi donated a year's income from his estates to support the creation of the Hungarian Society of Scholars, the precursor to the current Hungarian Academy of Sciences. Two hundred years later, that contribution is reflected in a coin that retains the characteristics of the ordinary 200-forint and is intended to be passed from hand to hand.

Silver and niobium to tell the story of the digital revolution

"Digitalization"

Austria won its third award with the €25 silver and niobium medal dedicated to digitalization. Its green and violet colors come not from paint, but from the controlled oxidation of niobium. One side depicts a finger operating a smartphone, surrounded by digital functions and their old analog equivalents. The other side features a stamp, books, and a rotary phone alongside a cloud, the @ symbol, an industrial robot, and a central microchip with the letters "KI," the German abbreviation for artificial intelligence. It's almost a history of technological transformation compressed into 34 millimeters.

El Dorado: Two Worlds Face to Face

"El Dorado"

The most artistic coin was the French 10 euro note from the series "The Sower: Myths and Riches." Joaquín Jiménez depicts a Spanish conquistador facing Atahualpa, the last Inca emperor, separated by a golden idol and the sacred lake to which, according to legend, a ruler covered in gold dust brought his offerings. Selective gilding reinforces the motif that fueled expeditions, ambitions, and tragedies for centuries. The reverse features a modern version of Louis-Oscar Roty's historic Sower.

A coin or a lipstick?

"90 years of Lancôme" 

The award for most innovative coin went to an issue that breaks even with the traditional circular shape. Monnaie de Paris celebrated Lancôme's 90th anniversary by creating a 10-euro silver coin in the exact silhouette of its Rouge Absolu lipstick. The mock cap features a diamond pattern, and the body incorporates the brand's signature rose. On the reverse, a new rose designed by Joaquín Jiménez alternates shimmering petals with guilloché surfaces. It measures 55.50 by 23.46 millimeters and had a mintage of 5,000 pieces.

Ukraine and an order that became a symbol of resistance

"Let's hold the line!"

The National Bank of Ukraine issued this 5 hryvnia coin on February 24, 2025, marking three years since the start of the large-scale Russian invasion. On the obverse, several defenders join hands over a map whose lines resemble the Ukrainian trident. The reverse shows soldiers advancing, supported by aircraft and drones, while silhouettes of civilians represent the efforts of those holding the rear. The motto "Hold the line!" transforms a military order into a call for collective resistance. Minted in alpaca silver, it was chosen as the most inspiring coin in the competition.

The ten winning coins at a glance

After learning about the history and design of each piece, here is the complete list of categories and winners of the Coin of the Year 2026 awards.

Category Country prize coin 

Coin of the Year and best crown-type coin China 10 yuan "Chinese Dragon"
Greater historical relevance Austria 20 euros «Beliefs and rituals»
Contemporary event France 2 euros «Notre-Dame de Paris»
Best gold coin USA 100 “American Liberty” dollars
Best silver coin Austria 20 euros "Einstein Ring"
Best circulating currency Hungary 200 forints «Hungarian Academy of Sciences»
Best bimetallic coin Austria 25 euros "Digitalization"
most artistic coin France 10 euros "El Dorado"
most innovative currency France 10 euros «90 years of Lancôme»
Most inspiring coin Ukraine 5 hryvnias "Let's hold the line!"

Six prizes for France and Austria, but the victory goes to China

Austria and France were the most represented countries, with three categories each. Their coins depict archaeology, astronomy, technology, architecture, legends, and contemporary design. However, the highest accolade went to China thanks to a seemingly more traditional piece, powerfully represented by two ancient images: the dragon and the Great Wall.

The selection also shows the extent to which modern numismatics has diversified. The same list includes a Hungarian coin ready for circulation, a French two-euro coin, an ounce of American gold, a surface that reproduces the curvature of space, and a piece that deliberately resembles a cosmetic object.

Therefore, there is no single formula for creating a great coin. Sometimes the difference lies in a groundbreaking technique; other times, in finding the perfect image to tell a story we all thought we knew.

Source of the awards: Numismatic News. Coin information verified with their respective mints and central banks.

 

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Noi monede comemorative din Franța - 02.08.2026

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The Monnaie de Paris presents "Les animaux du monde" (The Animals of the World), a new numismatic collection dedicated to some of the planet's most iconic species. The series comprises six bimetallic 5-euro coins, each focusing on a different group of animals and ecosystems, and a 500-euro coin minted in fine gold that brings together the collection's main protagonists.

After dedicating a 2025 collection to the French people's favorite animals, the French institution is now broadening its focus to global biodiversity. Pandas, big cats, marine animals, birds, polar species, and savanna inhabitants feature in this new collection, which aims to celebrate the richness of wildlife and highlight the importance of conserving this natural heritage.

"The animals of the world": a tribute to the planet's biodiversity

Animals occupy an essential place in the collective imagination. Whether familiar or distant, imposing or delicate, they awaken fascination and reflect both the extraordinary diversity of life and the fragility of the ecosystems on which they depend.

The collection brings together different species through compositions conceived as small family portraits. Each 5-euro coin shows three animals related to the same habitat or group, depicted surrounded by different natural symbols.

According to the Monnaie de Paris, the series aims to capture in metal the admiration and respect that humanity feels for wildlife. The engraver of the collection has strived to faithfully reproduce the characteristics of each species and highlight the essential role they play in the balance of the planet.

5 € COIN – Savannah Animals
Obverse

The obverse features three of the most representative animals of the savanna: the giraffe, the elephant, and the rhinoceros. The elephant occupies the central and upper part of the composition, while the stylized head of the giraffe appears on the left, and the rhinoceros is located in the lower area.

As with all the bimetallic coins in the series, the animals are surrounded by leaves, fish, footprints, feathers, snowflakes and other small symbols related to the different species that make up the collection.

This broadcast highlights the diversity of the savanna's fauna through three animals with very different characteristics: the height of the giraffe, the bulk of the elephant, and the powerful presence of the rhinoceros.

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Face value 5 euros
Metal Cupronickel and zinc
Quality UNC
Weight 11.7 g
Diameter 29 mm
Limited edition 25,000

5€ COIN – Big Cats
Obverse

The obverse features a lion, a tiger, and a leopard, three of the world's most famous big cats. The lion is shown in profile on the left, while the tiger occupies the right side of the composition. The leopard is in the foreground, looking directly at the viewer.

The arrangement allows one to appreciate some of the characteristics of each species, such as the lion's abundant mane, the tiger's facial lines, and the leopard's coat spots.

The three animals represent strength, power, and elegance in the wild, as well as reminding us of the essential role that large predators play in the balance of their ecosystems.

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Face value 5 euros
Metal Cupronickel and zinc
Quality UNC
Weight 11.7 g
Diameter 29 mm
Limited edition 25,000

5€ COIN – Pandas and koala
Obverse

The obverse features a group portrait of the giant panda, the red panda, and the koala. The giant panda occupies the upper right, while the koala appears on the left. The red panda is positioned in the foreground at the bottom.

The three animals are shown through close-up portraits that highlight their expressions and the different textures of their fur.

The Monnaie de Paris brings them together because of their tranquil and endearing appearance, as well as their close dependence on their natural environment. The composition also serves as a reminder of the fragility of their habitats and the need to conserve them.

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Face value 5 euros
Metal Cupronickel and zinc
Quality UNC
Weight 11.7 g
Diameter 29 mm
Limited edition 25,000

5 € COIN – Polar Animals
Obverse

 

The coin dedicated to the polar regions features a polar bear, a penguin, and a seal. The bear's head dominates the right half of the composition, while the penguin stands upright on the left. The seal is positioned in the foreground at the bottom.

The composition shows three different forms of adaptation to extreme cold. The strength of the polar bear contrasts with the upright figure of the penguin and the more placid expression of the seal, species that depend on ecosystems particularly sensitive to environmental changes.

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Face value 5 euros
Metal Cupronickel and zinc
Quality UNC
Weight 11.7 g
Diameter 29 mm
Limited edition 25,000

5 € COIN – Marine Animals
Obverse 

The obverse, dedicated to marine life, features a dolphin, a sea turtle, and a clownfish, accompanied by corals and different forms of underwater vegetation.

The dolphin occupies the top of the composition, while the turtle swims to the right and the clownfish appears in the lower left. A wavy line runs through the design to simulate the movement of water and visually separate the different depths of the scene.

The collection brings together species known for very different characteristics, such as the intelligence of the dolphin, the longevity of the turtle, and the vibrant colors of the clownfish. All of them are part of marine ecosystems that are as diverse as they are fragile.

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Face value 5 euros
Metal Cupronickel and zinc
Quality UNC
Weight 11.7 g
Diameter 29 mm
Limited edition 25,000

5€ COIN – Exotic Birds
Obverse

The obverse features three very different birds: the parrot, the ostrich, and the hummingbird. The ostrich occupies the foreground and dominates the right side, while the parrot's head appears on the left. At the top, the hummingbird is depicted in flight, its beak poking into a flower.

The design plays with the differences in scale between the three species. The ostrich's large size contrasts with the hummingbird's small dimensions, while the parrot completes the scene as a representative of the colorful tropical birds.

The composition thus reflects the extraordinary variety of the avian world, bringing together a species incapable of flight, another known for its intelligence and colorfulness, and a third characterized by its tiny size and its particular form of flight.

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Face value 5 euros
Metal Cupronickel and zinc
Quality UNC
Weight 11.7 g
Diameter 29 mm
Limited edition 25,000

Common reverse

The six 5 euro coins share the same reverse side, in the center of which appears the face value " 5 EURO", accompanied by a laurel branch and an oak branch. The arrangement of both branches evokes the euro symbol.

The inscription "RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE" surrounds the design, while the year of issue, 2026, appears on the right side. The design is framed by a series of intertwined geometric lines that form a hexagon.

500 € COIN – Gold
Obverse

The obverse of the 500 euro coin features six animals representative of the different themes of the collection: the panda, the lion, the parrot, the polar bear, the elephant and the dolphin.

Each animal occupies its own circular space around a small central globe, on which is inscribed " LES ANIMAUX DU MONDE". The different portraits intertwine to form a unified composition representing the animal diversity of the planet.

Alongside the species appear small symbols related to their characteristics or habitats, including a bamboo branch, a footprint, a feather, a snowflake, and a fish. The composition serves as a synthesis of the series.

Reverse

The reverse features the face value "500 EURO", accompanied by a laurel branch and an oak branch. Around it is the inscription "RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE", while the year 2026 appears on the right side.

The whole is framed by a network of geometric lines that represent a hexagon.

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Face value 500 euros
Metal 999% Gold
Quality BU
Weight 3.5 g
Diameter 18 mm
Limited edition 3,000

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Noi monede comemorative din Franța - 09.07.2026 - VIDEO

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To mark the 40th anniversary of the opening of the Musée d'Orsay, the Monnaie de Paris has added a new issue to its renowned "French Excellence" collection. This numismatic series pays tribute to one of France's most important cultural institutions with designs inspired by its unique architecture and some of the masterpieces it houses.

Beyond the richness of its collections, the Musée d'Orsay stands out for the close relationship between art and architecture. The former train station retains iconic elements such as its large clock, riveted metal structures, and majestic central hall—features that have become recognizable symbols of the museum and directly inspire the designs of this new numismatic series.

DESIGN

The design of the coins is inspired by the architecture and masterpieces of the museum.

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Obverse

On the front of the series, several figures from iconic works interact beneath the glass roof of the central nave, as if awakening and discovering the museum together. In the foreground are François Pompon's The Polar Bear and Vincent van Gogh's Self-Portrait. Behind them are Édouard Manet's The Flautist and Claude Monet's Woman with a Parasol Looking Left. Also present is Edgar Degas's Little Dancer Aged Fourteen, depicted inside the building in front of the large clock on the fifth floor. All these elements are harmoniously integrated into the reproduction of the clock frame, one of the most recognizable and representative symbols in the history of the Musée d'Orsay.

Reverse

The reverse features a design that focuses on the architecture of the Musée d'Orsay. It depicts four of the coffered ceilings decorated with rosettes that adorn the building's central nave. These are framed by a riveted metal structure that replicates the rhythm and aesthetic of the nave's roof, which has remained virtually unchanged since the construction of the old Orsay train station.

10€ COIN – Silver

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Face value 10 euros
Metal 999‰ Silver
Quality Proof
Weight 22.2 g
Dimensions 33.1 x 33.1 mm
Limited edition 5,000

20€ COIN – Silver

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Face value 20 euros
Metal 999‰ Silver
Quality Proof
Weight 31.1 g
Diameter 37 mm
Limited edition 3,000

50€ COIN – Silver

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Face value 50 euros
Metal 999‰ Silver
Quality Proof
Weight 155.5 g
Diameter 50 mm
Limited edition 2,000

50€ COIN – Gold

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Face value 50 euros
Metal 999% Gold
Quality Proof
Weight 7.78 g
Diameter 22 mm
Limited edition 500

200€ COIN – Gold

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Face value 200 euros
Metal 999% Gold
Quality Proof
Weight 31,104 g
Dimensions 33.1 x 33.1 mm
Limited edition 200

500€ COIN – Gold

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Face value 500 euros
Metal 999% Gold
Quality Proof
Weight 155.5 g
Diameter 50 mm
Limited edition 50

5,000€ COIN – Gold

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Face value 5,000 euros
Metal 999% Gold
Quality Proof
Weight 1000 g
Dimensions 95 x 95 mm
Limited edition 12

MEDAL

For the museum's inauguration in 1986, Gae Aulenti designed a medal created especially for the occasion and minted by the Monnaie de Paris. Forty years later, the dies were recovered to offer a reissue of this paperweight. Rectangular in shape with rounded corners, the 2026 reissue is distinguished from the original by its silver finish.

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Metal Silvered Florentine bronze
Dimensions 62 x 60 mm
Limited edition 400

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Noi monede comemorative din Franța - 27.06.2026

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France will dedicate one of its 2026 commemorative €2 coins to the 400th anniversary of the Marine Nationale, the French Navy. The issue will commemorate the birth, in 1626, of a permanent and organized state navy, and will do so through a design that combines the traditional figure of the French sailor with the naval, submarine, and air assets of the current fleet. 

The collection will consist of a 2 euro coin intended for circulation, as well as several presentations for collectors: official rolls of 25 coins in Brilliant Uncirculated quality, a BU version, another in Proof quality with color, a BU miniset and a commemorative 10 euro silver coin.

The Monnaie de Paris has set June 30, 2026, as the availability date for its collectible products. Meanwhile, the uncirculated €2 coin, with a announced mintage of 20 million, is expected to be released into circulation during July.

400 years of a State Navy

The anniversary does not commemorate the beginning of French naval activity, which naturally existed long before, but rather the institutionalization of a genuine navy dependent on the State.

In October 1626, the Edict of Saint-Germain, promoted by Cardinal Richelieu, established for the first time in France a permanent, organized State Navy under a unified command. This moment is considered by the French Navy (Marine Nationale) to be the starting point of its modern history.

During the following centuries, the French Navy went from becoming one of the great European fleets under Louis XIV to playing a decisive role in the Battle of the Chesapeake Bay in 1781, a naval victory that helped tip the scales of the American Revolutionary War.

The journey was not linear. The Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars dealt a heavy blow to the French fleet, but the Marine Nationale regained prominence in the 20th century. After the Second World War, it entered a new era marked by nuclear power, strategic submarines, and the addition of the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle.

The 2026 coin does not look to that past through an ancient ship or a historical scene. Its approach is different: it presents a modern sailor surrounded by the various elements that represent the French Navy in the 21st century.

This is the design of the 2 euro coin

The French side of the coin depicts a sailor seen from behind. He wears the traditional vareuse , the wide-collared naval garment, and the emblematic bâchi , the round cap associated with French sailors.

Before him unfolds a maritime scene that brings together various elements of the French Navy. The composition includes warships, a submarine, a diver, a helicopter, and naval aircraft. The design doesn't focus on a single unit but rather attempts to condense the diverse capabilities of the French Navy into a single image.

At the top are the letters “RF”, short for République Française. At the bottom, integrated into the sailor's back, is the inscription: 400 ans MARINE NATIONALE. The year 2026 appears to the right, next to the diver. The two mint marks are located in the lower left, below the submarine.

Print runs and announced versions

Presentation Print run and main data 

Uncirculated 2 euro coin 20,000,000
Official Rolls 6,000 rolls of 25 coins in Mint condition. Total: 150,000 coins.
2 euro coin BU 15,000 copies.
2 euro Proof coin with color 15,000 copies. The French name is Belle Épreuve.
Miniset BU 500 units. Includes French coins from 2026 from 1 cent to 1 euro, plus the commemorative 2 euro coin.
10 euro silver coin 15,000 copies, in 333 thousandths silver.

The 2 euro coin intended for circulation

The main version of this issue will be the €2 coin intended for circulation. Data indicates a mintage of 20 million uncirculated coins.

This is a high mintage for a French commemorative coin and will allow the coin to have a real presence in circulation, especially within France. As with other €2 coins issued in large quantities, some will eventually reach other countries in the eurozone through the normal flow of cash.

This will be the only version intended for road use. All other versions will be aimed directly at collectors.

Characteristics of the 2 euro coin

FeatureDataCountry France
Year 2026
Face value 2 euros
Reason 400th anniversary of the French Navy
Quality Not circulating
Metal Base metal bimetallic
Weight 8.5 grams
Diameter 25.75 millimeters
Announced print run 20,000,000 copies
Planned distribution July 2026

Official roll of 25 coins in Mint condition

The Monnaie de Paris will also market the issue in official rolls of 25 coins. This presentation will have a mintage of 6,000 rolls, equivalent to 150,000 coins.

Each roll will contain 25 two-euro coins in Mint condition, a superior quality to ordinary circulating coins, intended to preserve specimens without signs of use. The packaging has been specifically designed for this anniversary and combines blue with the visual identity of the French Navy's 400th anniversary.

The face value contained in each roll will be 50 euros, while the official retail price in France has been set at 65 euros.

Official Roll Features

Feature Data 

Presentation Official roll of 25 coins
Face value content 50 euros
Quality Coin Flor
Print run 6,000 rolls
Total coins 150,000 copies
Official price 65 euros
Sale date June 30, 2026

2 euro coin BU

The BU presentation, short for Universal Brilliance, will be limited to 15,000 pieces. The coin will be sold individually within a coincard inspired by the visual style of the French Navy. 

 

Their design will be the same as the uncirculated coin, but the minting quality will be superior. BU coins are produced using new tools and are reserved for collectors, so they do not enter ordinary circulation.

The design features horizontal navy blue and white stripes, reminiscent of the striped fabric associated with French naval uniforms. The obverse of the coincard also displays the emblem created for the 400th anniversary of the French Navy.

Features of the BU version

Feature Data 

Face value 2 euros
Quality BU / Universal Shine
Metal Base metal bimetallic
Weight 8.5 grams
Diameter 25.75 millimeters
Print run 15,000 copies
Official price 12 euros
Sale date June 30, 2026

2 euro Proof coin with color

The most carefully crafted version of the 2 euro coin will be the one minted in Proof quality, called Belle Épreuve by the Monnaie de Paris.

This is not an equivalent quality, but rather the official French designation for Proof coins. It is produced using specially prepared blanks and dies, as well as specific minting conditions. The result combines intensely lustrous backgrounds with matte reliefs, a very noticeable visual difference compared to BU or circulating coins.

In this version, color is added to the sailor's cap. The cap incorporates the blue, white, and red tones of the French flag, becoming the element that immediately distinguishes this edition from the other 2-euro coins in the series. 

The print run will be 15,000 copies and its official sale price has been set at 32 euros.

Features of the Proof version

Feature Data 

Face value 2 euros
Quality Proof / Belle Épreuve
Special finish Mirror backgrounds and matte reliefs
Color Bâchi wearing the colors of France
Metal Base metal bimetallic
Weight 8.5 grams
Diameter 25.75 millimeters
Print run 15,000 copies
Official price 32 euros
Sale date June 30, 2026

The BU miniset of only 500 units

The rarest option in the entire €2 issue will be the BU miniset. La Monnaie de Paris has limited this presentation to just 500 units. 

The set will include current French coins dated 2026 from 1 cent to 1 euro, as well as the commemorative 2 euro coin dedicated to the French Navy. Its total face value will be 3.88 euros.

The presentation adopts the same blue, white, and red graphic design as the rest of the collection. Due to its limited mintage, it will be the most restricted of the €2 versions, although it doesn't include a different coin: the €2 piece will be the same BU coin presented in a special edition.

Features of the BU miniset

Feature Data 

Presentation Miniset BU
Content 1 cent to 1 euro coins from 2026 and commemorative 2 euro coins
Quality BU / Universal Shine
Total face value 3.88 euros
Print run 500 units
Official price 57 euros
Sale date June 30, 2026

A 10 euro silver coin completes the issue.

The collection is not limited to the bimetallic 2 euro coin. The Monnaie de Paris will also issue a 10 euro silver coin, dedicated to the same anniversary and with a design adapted to a larger diameter.

The composition again shows the sailor with his back turned, wearing the bâchi colored in blue, white, and red. Around him are depicted the same elements of the contemporary French Navy: submarine, ships, helicopter, aircraft, and diver.

Being minted entirely in silver and having a larger surface area, the scene gains space and allows for a clearer appreciation of the different details of the design. Unlike the 2 euro coin, it does not feature the outer ring with the twelve stars of the European Union.

The coin will weigh 13 grams, have a diameter of 31 millimeters, and be minted in 333/1000 silver. It will be issued in standard quality, with a mintage of 15,000 units and an official price of 15 euros.

Characteristics of the 10 euro coin

Feature Data 

Country France
Year 2026
Face value 10 euros
Reason 400th anniversary of the French Navy
Metal 333/1000 silver
Weight 13 grams
Diameter 31 millimeters
Quality Current
Special finish Bâchi colorizado
Print run 15,000 copies
Official price 15 euros
Sale date June 30, 2026


Commemorative 2 euro coins 2026

Commemorative 2 euro coins from France

 

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Noi monede comemorative de inestiție din aur emise de Franța - 24.06.2026 - VIDEO

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The Monnaie de Paris has taken a step that could mark a turning point in the European physical gold market. The historic French institution, founded in 864 and considered one of the oldest mints in the world still in operation, has unveiled Marianne Or, a new family of bullion coins designed specifically for investment in precious metals. 

This is not a typical commemorative coin, nor is it primarily intended for collectors. Its purpose is quite different: to offer the public a simple way to acquire physical gold backed by an official institution, using an internationally recognized format and with a price closely linked to the value of the metal it contains.

For the Spanish reader, accustomed to associating numismatics with commemorative coins, thematic series or collector issues, the arrival of Marianne Or is an excellent opportunity to understand what bullion coins really are and why millions of people around the world use them as a form of saving and investment.

What is a bullion coin?

A bullion coin is a coin minted primarily for its precious metal content. Although it is usually legal tender and has a face value, this value has little practical relevance.

What is important is not the 10, 25, 50 or 100 euros that appear engraved on the piece, but the amount of pure gold it contains and its price in international markets.

Unlike a collector's coin, whose value depends on factors such as mintage, rarity, state of preservation or numismatic interest, a bullion coin evolves mainly based on the price of gold.

Therefore, bullion coins are usually issued without a predetermined production limit, allowing mints to respond to market demand.

France enters a market dominated by great classics

Although France has a very long monetary tradition, the truth is that until now it did not have a modern bullion coin capable of competing directly with the major international benchmarks.

The global investment gold market is dominated by well-known pieces such as the Canadian Maple Leaf, the British Britannia, the South African Krugerrand, the American Eagle, the American Buffalo, the Vienna Philharmonic, or the Australian Kangaroo.

In reality, France is no newcomer to monetary gold. For decades, the 20-franc Napoleon was one of the best-known and most traded gold coins in Europe. However, in the modern international bullion market, which developed primarily since the second half of the 20th century, France lacked a comparable offering of its own to today's major investment coins.

With Marianne Or, the Monnaie de Paris seeks precisely to occupy that space.

Marianne: the symbol chosen to represent France

For this new series, France has opted for Marianne, the allegorical figure who has symbolized the French Republic for more than two centuries.

Far from the classic representations usually found on stamps, coins or official buildings, the new Marianne features a modern and contemporary design, built using geometric shapes that give it a current and easily recognizable appearance.

The choice is not accidental. A bullion coin needs to convey confidence, stability, and international recognition. Marianne perfectly fulfills that function, being one of the most recognizable French national symbols.

The iconography of Marianne Or

The obverse features a contemporary interpretation of Marianne, the national allegory of the French Republic. Far from the classical representations that have adorned French coins and stamps for decades, the Monnaie de Paris has opted for a decidedly modern visual language.

The portrait is constructed from multiple geometric planes reminiscent of a faceted, almost crystalline structure. This composition conveys a sense of modernity and dynamism, while maintaining the symbolic power of one of France's great national icons.

Next to the bust is the inscription "MARIANNE", while around the coin field are distributed small hexagonal elements that evoke the geographical shape of France, popularly known as "the Hexagon".

The combination of republican tradition and contemporary design makes this side of the coin one of the most original aspects of the entire series.

The reverse maintains the same aesthetic philosophy through a geometric and fragmented representation of French territory.

The silhouette of France appears formed by multiple triangular facets that create effects of volume and depth depending on the incidence of light on the surface of the coin.

Around the design are distributed the legends corresponding to the metallic content and the purity of the gold, along with the face value, the year of issue and the official marks of the Monnaie de Paris.

The use of the map of France as a central element is especially significant for a coin intended for the international bullion market, as it allows for the immediate identification of its national origin and reinforces its identity against other major investment coins such as the Canadian Maple Leaf, the British Britannia, or the South African Krugerrand.

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Four formats for different investor profiles

The new series comes in four different sizes, all of them minted in 999.9 fine gold.

Face value Fine gold Purity Diameter 

100 euros 31.10 g 999.9‰ 32.22 mm
50 euros 15.55 g 999.9‰ 26.50 mm
25 euros 7.78 g 999.9‰ 21.52 mm
10 euros 3.11 g 999.9‰ 15.97 mm

The 100 euro coin contains exactly one troy ounce of fine gold, the standard format in the international market.

The remaining versions allow access to gold in smaller amounts, which is especially interesting for those who wish to build a position gradually or have smaller units available for a future partial sale.

However, there is a common characteristic in the bullion market: the smaller the coin, the higher the manufacturing cost per gram of gold it contains, which translates into proportionally higher premiums.

Collectible coins, savings coins, and investment coins

One of the most interesting aspects of the project is that the Monnaie de Paris has taken advantage of the launch to explain the differences between three concepts that are often confused.

Collector coins are those that typically interest numismatists. Their value depends on factors such as mintage, mint quality, the themes depicted, and demand among collectors.

Savings coins occupy an intermediate position. They retain a significant portion of their value in precious metal, but also maintain a guaranteed face value.

Finally, investment coins, or bullion, are specifically designed to track the price of gold. In these coins, the metal content is the essential element.

For many Spanish collectors, the difference could be compared to that between a commemorative coin and a gold bar. While rarity or historical interest are usually important in a collector's coin, the key factors in bullion are the amount of fine gold it contains and how easy it is to buy or sell.

Marianne Or and e-Marianne Or: physical gold and digital gold

La Monnaie de Paris has decided to offer two different options.

The first is Marianne Or, the traditional physical coin. The buyer acquires the gold piece directly and can keep it personally or store it wherever they deem appropriate.

The second is e-Marianne Or, a digital proposal that allows you to acquire gold-backed positions through an online platform.

According to the French institution itself, this system facilitates buying and selling operations digitally and allows, under certain conditions, the subsequent request for physical delivery of Marianne Or coins.

These are two different ways to access the same asset, adapted to different investor profiles.

The price of gold is not the price of currency

One of the most frequent mistakes among those who approach investment gold for the first time is thinking that a bullion coin costs exactly the same as the gold it contains.

That's not the case.

To the international price of the metal must be added a premium that covers the costs of minting, distribution, logistics, marketing and business margins.

In the case of Marianne Or, the prizes announced by the Monnaie de Paris are:4% for the one-ounce coin.
7% for half an ounce.
9.5% for a quarter ounce.
12.5% ​​for a tenth of an ounce.

In the digital versions e-Marianne Or the commissions are somewhat lower.

This is important because it means that an investment in gold is not profitable from day one. To recoup the initial premium, the price of gold must appreciate sufficiently.

Why do so many people invest in gold?

Monnaie de Paris itself has accompanied the launch with an informative guide for the general public. In it, it highlights some of the reasons why gold remains one of the world's most sought-after assets.

For over six thousand years it has been used as a store of value, a medium of exchange, a symbol of wealth, and a monetary reserve. It continues to play a significant role in the reserves of numerous central banks.

According to data presented by the French institution, gold has historically shown a remarkable ability to preserve value in the long term, in addition to behaving differently from many traditional financial assets.

Therefore, it is usually considered a diversification tool rather than an investment intended to replace other assets.

But gold also has risks.

The French launch emphasizes something that is often forgotten when discussing precious metals: gold is not a risk-free investment.

Its price can fluctuate significantly and experience prolonged periods of decline. Furthermore, it does not generate interest, dividends, or regular income. Profitability depends solely on the future performance of its share price.

For this reason, experts usually recommend considering gold as a complement within a broader wealth strategy and not as a short-term speculative bet.

A launch that is of interest to both investors and numismatists

The new Marianne Or coins are born with a clear investment vocation, but it would be a mistake to think that they lack numismatic interest.

The first issues of a new coin family often occupy a prominent place in the history of mints. This is especially true when they come from an institution with over a thousand years of history and represent France's return to the international bullion market.

For investors, Marianne Or represents a new European alternative within the realm of physical gold. For collectors, it marks the beginning of a series that could accompany some of the world's most famous bullion coins for decades to come.

Time will tell if it will achieve the popularity of the Maple Leaf, the Britannia, or the Krugerrand. What already seems indisputable is that France has decided to once again play a significant role in the international investment gold market.

 

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Noi monede comemorative din Franța - 19.06.2026

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Relive the glamour of one of Hollywood's greatest legends with the new collection that the Monnaie de Paris is dedicating to Marilyn Monroe. Issued to coincide with the centenary of her birth, the series features five coins with the same design, commemorating the actress, singer, and model who became a universal symbol of glamour, talent, and popular culture.

DESIGN

Obverse

The obverse features a portrait of Marilyn Monroe accompanied by the year of issue, "2026." The background is decorated with numerous stars of varying sizes, a motif that can be interpreted as a reference both to the famous quote on the reverse of the coin and to the stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a symbol of the legendary status the actress achieved. Completing the design, her name is inscribed at the top of the composition.

Reverse

The reverse side features several elements representing Marilyn Monroe's artistic career, most notably a film reel and a vintage microphone, symbols of her work in film and music. The design is completed with several embossed roses and the artist's signature, surrounded by her famous quote: "We are all stars and we deserve to shine." The coin also includes the face value and the initials RF of the French Republic.

10€ COIN

 

PRESENTATION

 

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

 

Face value 10 euros
Metal 333‰ Silver
Quality UNC
Weight 13 g
Diameter 31 mm
Limited edition 15,000

10€ COIN – Silver

 

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

 

Face value 10 euros
Metal 999‰ Silver
Quality Proof
Weight 22.2 g
Diameter 37 mm
Limited edition 3,000

50€ COIN – Silver

 

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

 

Face value 50 euros
Metal 999‰ Silver
Quality Proof
Weight 155.5 g
Diameter 50 mm
Limited edition 500

50€ COIN – Gold

 

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

 

Face value 50 euros
Metal 999% Gold
Quality Proof
Weight 7.78 g
Diameter 22 mm
Limited edition 500

200€ COIN – Gold

 

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

 

Face value 200 euros
Metal 999‰ Silver
Quality Proof
Weight 31.1 g
Diameter 37 mm
Limited edition 250

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