In 2026, Monnaie de Paris pays tribute to an icon and one of the most influential women of the 20th century: Marilyn Monroe.
An actress with universal charm and remarkable versatility, Marilyn Monroe was also driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge and intellectual fulfilment. She established herself as a progressive figure at a time when opportunities for women were limited. She challenged the status quo of the Hollywood system by founding her own production company, Marilyn Monroe Productions. Famous throughout the world and transcending generations, Marilyn Monroe remains a symbol of glamour and pop culture to this day.
Some important dates:
June 1st, 1926: Birth in Los Angeles of Norma Jeane Mortenson, known as Marilyn Monroe.
June 19th, 1942: She marries James Dougherty at the age of 16.
1944: She begins working at the Radioplane Company factory, where she is noticed by US Army photographers.
1946: With her modeling career launched, she signs her first contract with 20th Century Fox as an actress and adopts her stage name, Marilyn Monroe.
1950s: Her fame skyrockets thanks to cult films such as Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and The Seven Year Itch.
May 19th, 1962: She performs the legendary “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” at Madison Square Garden for President John F. Kennedy’s 45th birthday.
August 5th, 1962: Passing away of Marilyn Monroe.
Marilyn Monroe, born on June 1st, 1926 in Los Angeles, was a model, actress, and singer who left a lasting impact on entire generations through her artistic talent and beauty.
The obverse of the coin is adorned with a portrait of Marilyn Monroe, the year 2026, and a background of stars, which may echo the quote found on the reverse of the collector coins, or the stars of the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The reverse of this coin displays the face value, surrounded by two branches—one oak, the other laurel—evoking the symbol of the Euro. The entire design on the reverse is framed by the words “République Française,” along with a set of lines representing the Hexagon.
