As a French institution, it is in the DNA of the Monnaie de Paris to promote the country's heritage, history, and everything related to its deep-rooted identity. In the past, the Monnaie de Paris had celebrated the French regions in several of its collections, but not since their evolution in 2016.
Ten years after the introduction of the 18 new regions comprising metropolitan France and its overseas territories, Monnaie de Paris is launching a collection celebrating the richness of these territories. As local authorities with broad and diverse powers, the regions are not just administrative divisions. They have their own distinct identities, marked by traditions born of their geographical and historical specificities. The regions reflect the richness of France's natural and cultural heritage. In 2026, the Île-de-France, Occitanie, and Grand Est regions will be honored.
Île de France :
On the obverse of this coin, we recognize essential components of the identity of the Île-de-France region. The design is centered around the quintessential symbol of the region, Paris, and even France: the Eiffel Tower. Drawn from a low angle, the tower bears the name of the region inscribed in place of its first floor. It also rests on an Art Nouveau metro entrance, nestled under its arches. To its right, the bust of a majestic stag reminds us that the Île-de-France region is also a region of parks, woods, and forests. Three fleurs-de-lis, arranged around the stag, refer to the region's coat of arms. On the other side of the tower, Louis XIV is depicted in profile with his name inscribed in his hair. Below his portrait, a decorative element from the gates of the Palace of Versailles in the form of an allegory of the Sun King doubles the reference to France's most famous king and the priceless architectural heritage he left to the Île-de-France region with the Palace of Versailles.
This reverse side displays 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 an assembly of lines representing the Hexagon.
