70 years ago, in 1955, the automotive world witnessed a revolution with the arrival of the DS. Presented at the Paris Motor Show, the DS was not simply a new car, but a radical brake from anything seen before. With its avant-garde design and technological innovations, it redefined the automotive industry standards and public perception.
What made the DS such an innovative car was first and foremost its bold, futuristic silhouette, with its slender lines and meticulous aerodynamics, imagined by the famous Italian designer Flaminio Bertoni. It broke off with the square, angular shapes of post-war cars, embodying a fluid elegance that remains a model of inspiration to this day.
But beyond its innovative aesthetics, the DS impressed with its cutting-edge technology. Among these innovations was the hydropneumatics suspension, which allowed the vehicle to “float” on the road, absorbing the unevenness of the road with smoothness. This suspension, combined with power steering and hydraulically controlled braking, offered a driving experience that was both comfortable and safe. The second major innovation was the directional headlamps that followed the curves. All features that made it a true pioneer of the modern automobile. It combined beauty, technology and ergonomics.
This car, which became an icon of the 1950s and 1960s, left its mark on history and remains a benchmark of innovation to this day. From its official use by French presidents to its appearance in numerous films, the DS has acquired legendary status.
To celebrate its 70th anniversary, Monnaie de Paris has designed a collection of coins in its honor. The series highlights the bold aesthetics and technical excellence of the DS, underlining its major impact on the evolution of the automobile.
On the obverse of the coin are two emblematic DS models. In the top part of the design is the DS 23, commercialised from 1975, with its distinctive, avant-garde front end and the last edition to be produced. The pivoting headlights, a first in the automotive history, are hightlighted by gold selective deposit. They appear to be following the movement of the road, lighting up the night. The model presented in the bottom part of the design is the first edition, the DS 19, produced starting in 1955. This model is distinguished by its front headlights under a streamlined window and its more modern radiator grille. These two versions symbolise the stylistic evolutions of the DS.
The DS 23's directional headlights are accentuated by selective gold deposit. There is also a selective black rhodium deposit in the background to highlight the headlights that light up the night.
The reverse shows a view of the rear of the car, and more specifically a zoom on the rear indicator at the top of the rear windscreen. A red color enhances this detail.
