In 2021, Monnaie de Paris is inaugurating a new series based on literary styles and authors who have marked the history of literature in France and abroad.On the occasion of the 400th anniversary of his birth, Monnaie de Paris pays tribute to Jean...
jean de la fontaine - 400th anniversary of his birth 10€ Silver Coin Circulating quality yeardate 2021
€12.00
Description
In 2021, Monnaie de Paris is inaugurating a new series based on literary styles and authors who have marked the history of literature in France and abroad.
On the occasion of the 400th anniversary of his birth, Monnaie de Paris pays tribute to Jean de La Fontaine, the greatest French fabulist and member of the Académie française.
Through his texts, Jean de la Fontaine still fascinates us today by using animals to represent the great traits of human character.
Dedicated to the Dauphin Louis of France, Jean de la Fontaine leaves us a literary legacy of more than 250 fables as well as numerous collections of stories and poems.
On this side, the engraving workshop of Monnaie de Paris has depicted the portrait of Jean de la Fontaine.
The most famous animals of his fables are represented: the raven and the fox, the ant, the wolf and the lamb and finally the hare and the tortoise, thus encircling his face.
His name and his dates are engraved on the right-hand side of the coin. The words “400 years” refers to the commemoration in 2021 of the 400th anniversary of his birth.
The reverse of this coin is the common reverse for all €Gold and Silver commemorative coins minted by Monnaie de Paris.
The Collection
2021 marks the 400th birth anniversary of the famous French poet Jean de La Fontaine and on this occasion, the artisans of the Monnaie de Paris decided to pay tribute to him with different collections of coins and medals.
To celebrate the 400th anniversary of Jean de la Fontaine’s birth, I was keen on translating his works in metallic metaphor and second degree. We have therefore created products that are full of hidden references while being figurative at the same time. Up to you to find them out!
Engraver word
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.
