First published in France in 1946, The Little Prince of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry is much more than a children's story: it is a universal work that spans generations, celebrating poetry, friendship and wonder at the world. Translated into 627 languages and dialects, this timeless story has become one of the most widely read and translated books in the world.
Written and illustrated by Antoine de Saint Exupéry, The Little Prince was first published in 1943 in New York in English and French, before being released in France in 1946 by Gallimard, where it became a bestseller, selling over 15 million copies.
To mark the 80th anniversary of the publication of this iconic work in France, Monnaie de Paris is paying tribute to the little traveller from the stars with a collection illustrating 80 years of adventures and journeys, highlighting the different modes of transport associated with the adventures of The Little Prince. Airplanes, planets, compasses, telescopes and luggage are combined in original designs that call for adventure. The Little Prince is an initiatory tale in which the main character leaves his planet to discover others. By highlighting travel, the Monnaie de Paris also pays direct tribute to Antoine de Saint Exupéry, himself a great traveller through his profession as an aviator.
On the obverse, the Little Prince and the fox are sitting in a wide-open book that seems to float in the starry sky in the background. Leaning over opposite edges of the book, the two characters appear to be searching for something. Near the Little Prince, a storm lamp and a compass show that the child and his friend are exploring, ready to shed light on the dark areas and navigate the depths of space in which they find themselves. The open book not only serves as their literal means of transport but also recalls the medium that has conveyed the story of the Little Prince for 80 years. From the open book, the most beautiful stories rise and dreams become possible. In the sky, where a single planet floats among the stars, the name ‘The Little Prince’ is inscribed along the edge of the coin.
On the reverse side, the logo for the 80th anniversary of The Little Prince, composed of the character's bust leaning on his hand in front of the number 80, overlooks the face value. Along the edge, the inscription ‘The Little Prince’ in French, English, German and Japanese recalls the universal dimension of the character. The RF mark, the marks of the engraving workshop and the master engraver, and the year 2026 are also featured.
