Monnaie de Paris Explained

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Close-up of Monnaie de Paris facade showcasing classic architecture in Paris.
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up of Monnaie de Paris facade showcasing classic architecture in Paris.

Monnaie de Paris, also known as the Paris Mint, is a historic institution that has been producing coins and medals since 864. It's one of the oldest mints in the world.

Located in the heart of Paris, the Monnaie de Paris has a rich history that spans over 1,100 years. The mint has been a witness to many significant events in French history.

The Monnaie de Paris is responsible for producing coins and medals that are used in France, including the famous 2-euro and 1-euro coins. These coins are made from a combination of metals, including copper, nickel, and aluminum.

History and Mission

The Monnaie de Paris is the oldest institution in France and one of the oldest companies in the world still in operation, founded on June 25, 864, by the Edict of Pîtres of Charles II the Chauve.

Its mission is to produce and sell coins, medals, and other numismatic items, both for the state and for commercial purposes. The Monnaie de Paris employs 500 people on two sites: the Hôtel de la Monnaie de Paris and the Établissement monétaire de Pessac in Gironde.

Credit: youtube.com, La Monnaie de Paris First World War Bronze Commemorative Medal

The Monnaie de Paris has a long history of innovation, dating back to 1550 when King Henri II commissioned an inquiry into the technology of the press à vis used by an Augsburg goldsmith. This led to the establishment of the Monnaie du Moulin des Étuves on the Île de la Cité in Paris.

In 1770, the institution moved to a new central site in Paris, the Hôtel de la Monnaie, which was designed by architect Denis Antoine and took 4 years to complete. The Monnaie de Paris has been associated with the French Ministry of Finance since 1796.

Here are some of the activities carried out by the Monnaie de Paris:

  • Production and sale of coins, medals, and other numismatic items
  • Manufacture of instruments of guarantee and guarantee marks
  • Creation of art fonts and jewelry under the Monnaie de Paris brand
  • Creation of special editions of medals and customized gifts for companies
  • Maintenance of the Hôtel de la Monnaie
  • Management of the Musée du 11 Conti
  • Maintenance of the quai de Conti halls for administration, collectivities, or companies
  • Storage of coins for the Banque de France on the Pessac site

Physical Location and Architecture

The Monnaie de Paris is located on the Left Bank of the Seine, where it was built from 1767-1775 on a significant site.

Its Neoclassical design was a major civic monument in pre-Revolutionary Paris, showcasing the ingenuity of architect Jacques-Denis Antoine.

Credit: youtube.com, Monnaie de Paris Visit

The building's heavy external rustication and severe decorative treatment make it a key example of French Neoclassicism.

One of the longest façades on the Seine, the Monnaie's appearance has been likened to the Italian palazzo tradition.

The building wraps around a large interior courtyard and includes a numismatics museum, located within what was once the main foundry.

The Monnaie de Paris' site on 11 quai de Conti is now open to the public, offering a unique experience around French excellence, art, and industry.

Its Palais néoclassique is a majestic 18th-century building that houses the mint workshops, administrative rooms, and residential quarters.

Services and Offerings

The Monnaie de Paris offers a wide range of services and offerings that cater to different interests and needs.

You can purchase a selection of coins from the Monnaie de Paris, which has been in operation since 864, making it the oldest institution in France still active today.

The Monnaie de Paris produces coins for circulation and collection, including commemorative coins, collection sets, and series under blister packaging, showcasing the art and history of France.

Credit: youtube.com, Time Collection 1874 The Origin: a collaboration with La Monnaie de Paris

Their collection includes a variety of items such as the Collection 2024, Collection 2025, and other collections from previous years, as well as special offers and limited edition coins.

Here are some of the collections and items available from the Monnaie de Paris:

You can also visit the Monnaie de Paris, which offers thematic visits to its museum, where you can learn about the history of the institution and the art of coin-making.

Emonnaies Distributeur Officiel

As the official distributor of the Monnaie de Paris, Emonnaies offers a wide range of numismatic collections.

You can choose from various collections, including the 2024 and 2025 collections, as well as the 2023, 2022, 2021, and 2020 collections.

Each collection is a unique opportunity to own a piece of numismatic history, with designs and mintages that vary from year to year.

Some popular collections include the 10 euros Argent and the Pièces JO Paris 2024, which are sure to be sought after by collectors.

Here are some of the collections and products offered by Emonnaies:

  • Collection 2024
  • Collection 2025
  • Collection 2023
  • Collection 2022
  • Collection 2021
  • Collection 2020
  • Collection 2019
  • Collections 2018 et 2017
  • 2 Euros commémoratives
  • Coffrets BU France
  • Coffrets BE France
  • 10 euros Argent
  • Pièces JO Paris 2024

Visites Thématiques

Credit: youtube.com, Les visites guidées du parcours muséal ont commencé !

You can plan a thematic visit to the Monnaie de Paris museum as part of your event, which showcases the artisans' skills and metalwork.

The visit can be tailored to your guests' interests and can be focused on a theme of your choice. Durée de la visite is typically 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Visits can take place during the museum's public hours or as a private visit outside of regular hours.

Some Numbers

In 2009, the Monnaie de Paris had a revenue of 126 million euros with 500 employees. They manufacture over 1 billion coins per year, including 700 million euros.

The company has managed to increase its revenue to 134 million euros by 2019, with a slightly smaller workforce of 489 employees.

Their products of art, such as collectible coins and art fonts, make up 20% of their revenue.

Scandals and Controversies

Monnaie de Paris has faced its fair share of scandals and controversies over the years. In 2023, a hasty decision by its CEO, Marc Schwartz, led to a major scandal. He ordered the printing of 27 million coins with a new design without first getting approval from the European Commission.

Front view of Monnaie de Paris with decorative banners on the facade.
Credit: pexels.com, Front view of Monnaie de Paris with decorative banners on the facade.

This decision was made to impress the Economy Minister, Bruno Le Maire, during a scheduled visit in December 2023. Unfortunately, the design was rejected by the Commission due to poorly readable stars, resulting in the destruction of the coins and estimated losses of between 700,000 to 1.2 million euros.

An investigation was launched to understand the reasons behind this mistake. The European Commission's Directorate-General for Economic and Financial Affairs had actually alerted the French Treasury's Directorate-General on December 1, 2023, about the non-compliance of the new coins.

The Monnaie de Paris is an establishment with a long history, having been founded in the 9th century.

Development and Configuration

The Monnaie de Paris has undergone significant development over the years. The organization employs 489 people, with a workforce split between two sites: the Hôtel de la Monnaie in Paris and the monetary establishment in Pessac.

In 2019, the turnover was a substantial 134 million euros. This financial performance is a testament to the organization's efficiency and effectiveness.

Here's a brief breakdown of the workforce distribution:

  • The Hôtel de la Monnaie in Paris accounts for 55% of the workforce.
  • The monetary establishment in Pessac accounts for 45% of the workforce.

Development

Round Gold-colored and Black Coin on Person's Hand
Credit: pexels.com, Round Gold-colored and Black Coin on Person's Hand

The Monnaie de Paris, the French national mint, has a significant presence with 500 employees in 2010, split between two sites: the Hôtel de la Monnaie in Paris and the monetary establishment in Pessac, in Gironde.

By 2019, the workforce had decreased to 489 employees, yet the turnover had increased to 134 million euros.

The Monnaie de Paris is known for its extensive renovation projects, such as the Metalmetamorphose project, which transformed the museum at the Monnaie de Paris, the Musée du Conti, into a modern space.

This project was completed in 2017, with the museum reopening on September 30th of that year.

The Monnaie de Paris has a rich history, with notable examples including the construction of the financial façade of the Hôtel de la Monnaie, designed by Jacques-Denis Antoine between 1765 and 1775.

Configurations et Capacités

The configurations and capacities of a venue can make all the difference in planning a successful event. The Salon d'Honneur has a spacious 188 m2 area that can accommodate up to 300 people for a cocktail.

The Champ de Mars Park in Paris
Credit: pexels.com, The Champ de Mars Park in Paris

The Salon d'Honneur is suitable for various events, including conferences, dinners, and classes, with capacities ranging from 130 to 150 people. The Cour de l'Or has a smaller 120 m2 area that can fit up to 100 people for a cocktail.

The Cour Mansart is one of the largest outdoor spaces available, covering a massive 883 m2 area that can accommodate up to 500 people for a cocktail. This space also has a high capacity for conferences, dinners, and classes, with up to 420 people able to fit in.

Here's a summary of the capacities for each type of event across different spaces:

The Cour de la Méridienne has a 320 m2 area that can accommodate up to 240 people for a cocktail, making it suitable for a variety of events. The Salle du Conseil and its adjacent terrasse have a total area of 55 m2 + 52 m2 that can fit up to 20 people for a cocktail.

Discover and Learn

Credit: youtube.com, 5 Coolest Experiences at PARIS COIN MUSEUM – Monnaie de Paris

The Monnaie de Paris is the oldest institution in France still in operation, founded in 864. La Monnaie de Paris has been a major player in the production of coins, shaping the country's economic history.

The Monnaie de Paris has been the site of the first French coins and has contributed to financing wars and infrastructure projects. This is a testament to its importance in French history.

La Monnaie de Paris continues to produce coins for circulation and collection, offering a wide variety of commemorative coins, collection chests, and blister packs showcasing French art and history. Today's visitors can still see the art and history of France through the Monnaie de Paris' collection.

Here's a list of some of the Monnaie de Paris' collections:

  • Collection 2024
  • Collection 2025
  • Collection 2023
  • Collection 2022
  • Collection 2021
  • Collection 2020
  • Collection 2019
  • Collections 2018 and 2017
  • 2 Euros commémoratives
  • Coffrets BU France
  • Coffrets BE France
  • 10 euros Argent
  • Offres spéciales
  • Pièces JO Paris 2024
  • Trésors numismatiques
  • Médailles Monnaie de Paris
  • Les collections

Bertha Hoeger

Junior Writer

Bertha Hoeger is a versatile writer with a keen interest in financial institutions and community development. Her work primarily focuses on banking and microfinance sectors, providing insightful analyses of various Indian financial entities and organizations. She has covered a range of topics, from banks based in Maharashtra and those established in 2019 to private sector banks and microfinance companies.

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