Animals occupy a central place in the collective
imagination.
Whether familiar or distant, mysterious or majestic, they
inspire a sense of fascination, respect and wonder in all of us. They bear
witness to the beauty and diversity of life, as well as to the fragility of
nature and the strength of the bonds we share with it.
In 2026, the Monnaie de Paris has chosen to celebrate this universal richness through a unique collection dedicated to the animals of the world. From the feline elegance of the tiger to the peaceful power of the elephant, via the grace of the hummingbird and the intelligence of the dolphin, each selected species symbolises a fragment of wildlife and global biodiversity.
There are several iconic animals of the savannah, such as
the elephant, the rhinoceros and the giraffe, and each has its own distinctive
characteristics. Whether imposing, peaceful or slender, these animals captivate
us with their diversity. Essential to the balance of their environment, they
contribute to the richness of wildlife.
A wreath featuring symbols specific to each animal enhances
the trio of depictions on each piece, like a family portrait.
The reverse shows the face value surrounded by two branches,
one of oak and the other of laurel, evoking the Euro symbol. The entire reverse
design is framed by ‘République Française’ and a collection of lines
representing the Hexagon.
