Animals hold a special place in the hearts of the French. Companions in life, symbols of nature or sources of wonder, they incite deep affection and a sincere attachment. Some of them stand out for their popularity and the emotion they avoke. This...
Animals hold a special place in the hearts of the French. Companions in life, symbols of nature or sources of wonder, they incite deep affection and a sincere attachment. Some of them stand out for their popularity and the emotion they avoke. This selection celebrates France's favourite animals, those that touch and inspire us and reflect the strong bond we have with the animal world.
In 2025, Monnaie de Paris wants to highlight French's favourite animals: cats, dogs, rabbits and horses.
These 4 animals are also those that are particularly protected and welcomed by the Société Protectrice des Animaux, which is celebrating 180 years of commitment to the animal cause in 2025.
Each coin in this series is much more than a collector's item: it embodies a universal message of compassion, a recognition of the daily work of the teams and volunteers, and an appeal to the collective conscience.
Through this collection, the SPA and Monnaie de Paris wish to affirm their shared desire to raise public awareness of the animal cause, and to perpetuate the memory of a just struggle, driven by emotion, action and conviction. And what better way to pay tribute to your pet than to have it engraved on a coin?
To celebrate the 180th anniversary of the Société Protectrice des Animaux, Monnaie de Paris is dedicating a new collection to the four favourite animals of the French: dogs, cats, rabbits and horses :
The dog, a faithful companion, symbolises loyalty, daily presence and trust.
The cat, an endearing companion, evokes mystery and independence.
The rabbit, an affectionate companion, represents sensitivity and curiosity.
The horse, majestic and sensitive, embodies strength and intelligence.
A box has been developed to contain the 4 €5 bicolor coins. The top of the box features the 4 animals in this collection.
Number of full boxes: 3 000.
Our craftman
THE ENGRAVER
Trained at the best schools, they have the years of experience behind them necessary to master all aspects of the craft. Using industrial oil-based modelling clay and working from a design executed freehand or with CAD software, they skilfully fashion a low relief model in order to enhance the engraving and the way it catches the light. They work alternately with concave and convex plaster moulds until satisfied they have achieved the best 3D rendering of the design.
THE MINTER
The first minters began to ply their trade in France when striking with a hammer appeared in the 4th century BC. Nowdays, minsters use press instead of a hammer. Their knowledge of dies, engraving and metals, and their expertise - passed seamlessly down from one generation to the next for centuries - guarantees the excellence of their work.
