In 2026, Monnaie de Paris is proud to celebrate 400 years of the French Navy and to highlight the sailors who work tirelessly to protect the French people on all the oceans. Monnaie de Paris pays tribute to this heritage and to those who keep it alive.
Some important dates :
1626 : The Navy is institutionalized thanks to the efforts of Cardinal Richelieu.
1669: Under Louis XIV, the fleet becomes one of the most powerful in Europe.
1781: Victory in Chesapeake Bay: the French Navy defeats the Royal Navy, which is decisive for American independence and marks the heyday of French sailing.
1795–1815: Wars of the Revolution and the Empire; the French Navy suffers heavy losses and struggles to compete with the Royal Navy.
1943–1944: Renaissance of the Navy during World War II; the Free French naval forces participate in the Provence landings (August 1944).
1961–2001: Entry into the nuclear age; launch of the first French SSBN and introduction of the Charles-de-Gaulle aircraft carrier, the first nuclear-powered carrier.
Since 2015: Period marked by the fight against terrorism.
In 2026: The French Navy remains one of the few navies to have nuclear air and sea projection capabilities, a full ocean-going fleet, and global military expertise.
The obverse of this coin features a sailor seen from behind, wearing a pea coat, symbol of the institution, topped with a “bâchi”, the legendary headgear of the French Navy, colourized in blue, white and red. The coin also depicts the various ships and aircrafts used by the French Navy. Above him are the letters RF for République Française (French Republic) and the two hallmarks are on his left, under the submarine. Below the diver, to his right, the yeardate 2026 is inscribed.
The reverse side of this coin is the classic reverse side of a 2€ coin.
In 2026, Monnaie de Paris is proud to celebrate 400 years of the French Navy and to highlight the sailors who work tirelessly to protect the French people on all the oceans. Monnaie de Paris pays tribute to this heritage and to those who keep it alive.
Some important dates :
1626 : The Navy is institutionalized thanks to the efforts of Cardinal Richelieu.
1669: Under Louis XIV, the fleet becomes one of the most powerful in Europe.
1781: Victory in Chesapeake Bay: the French Navy defeats the Royal Navy, which is decisive for American independence and marks the heyday of French sailing.
1795–1815: Wars of the Revolution and the Empire; the French Navy suffers heavy losses and struggles to compete with the Royal Navy.
1943–1944: Renaissance of the Navy during World War II; the Free French naval forces participate in the Provence landings (August 1944).
1961–2001: Entry into the nuclear age; launch of the first French SSBN and introduction of the Charles-de-Gaulle aircraft carrier, the first nuclear-powered carrier.
Since 2015: Period marked by the fight against terrorism.
In 2026: The French Navy remains one of the few navies to have nuclear air and sea projection capabilities, a full ocean-going fleet, and global military expertise.
The obverse of this coin features a sailor seen from behind, wearing a pea coat, symbol of the institution, topped with a “bâchi”, the legendary headgear of the French Navy. The coin also depicts the various ships and aircrafts used by the French Navy. Above him are the letters RF for République Française (French Republic) and the two hallmarks are on his left, under the submarine. Below the diver, to his right, the yeardate 2026 is inscribed.
The reverse side of this coin is the classic reverse side of a 2€ coin.
