2021-07-06 Tue

Monnaie de Paris (Mint of Paris) launched two coins in December 2019 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte that was celebrated on 2nd December. They are a one-ounce 200 euro coin made of pure gold and a quarter ounce 50 euro coin.

The design models after the germinal franc (gold franc) used in France in the first decades of the 19th century. This currency had great international recognition and became a reference for many countries, which later based their currency on the franc. Created under Napoleon Bonaparte, the Germinal Franc was set up to revive the economic activity by fixing a certain weight of metal.

The reverse evokes both the Consulate and the First Empire period with Napoleon 1st and the Great Army. The obverse and reverse of the germinal franc are then represented by highlighting significant facts such as the Legion of Honour, the bee and the laurel crown.

The reverse depicts the allegory of Liberty of France designed by artist Oscar Roty. The Sower – the national symbol of France is shown in a striding position, moving toward a brighter future. It is said that the Sower was influenced by America's Walking Liberty

Image Courtesy: monnaiedeparis.fr