4691) 400th Anniversary of the French National Navy (FNN), Republic of France (Republique Francaise): Two Euro Bimetallic and 10 Euro Silver Proof & BU Coins issued by Monnaie de Paris (The Paris Mint): Date/Year of Coins issue: 2026:
The Header/Banner presents the Silver Proof and Colour Coins highlighting the 400 Years milestone of French National Navy against a representation of a French Aircraft Carrier (FNN).
To mark the 400th anniversary of the founding of France’s national naval force, Monnaie de Paris (The Paris Mint) has isssued Silver Proof and bi-metallic €2 coins.
The evolutionary background:
The force was established with the efforts of Cardinal Richelieu in October 1626.
Between the years 1669 to 1683 during the reign of King Louis XIV, the fleet became one of the most powerful in Europe.
During the era of Emperor Napoleon between 1795 and 1815, the French Navy suffered heavy losses, struggling to match the superior strength, leadership and seamanship of the British Royal Navy, resulting in the loss of control of major worldwide sea lanes.
During the Industrial Revolution, the focus to rebuild and repurpose naval dockyards became paramount.
In 1845, the first prototype of a steel-clad wooden hull was built, followed in 1858 by the construction of La Gloire, the world’s first ocean-going armoured ship.
After the First World War, the French navy was entirely rebuilt, but by the end of the Second World War, the fleet, ports and naval dockyards were left in a pitiful state, requiring substantial restoration.
As part of reconstruction, major projects for emblematic ships were launched such as escort ships and the two aircraft carriers – Clemenceau in 1959 and the Foch in 1961.
That same year, the Directions des Constructions et Armes Navales - DCAN was established to organise naval dockyards and the navy itself while also developing export markets.
The Reverse of the Silver Proof and Bi-metallic €2 coins, which is shared on silver Proof and bi-metallic €2 silver Proof and bi-metallic €2 coinscoins, is designed by Joaquin Jimenez, General Engraver of the Monnaie de Paris.
Featured is a sailor seen from behind, wearing a pea coat, emblematic of the institution, topped with a bâchi, the legendary instantly recognisable headgear of the French Navy.
On the Silver coin and selected strikes of €2 coins, the bâchi is shown in white, red and blue colour.
The back of the sailor’s tunic includes commemorative text "400 ans MARINE NATIONALE" in stylised text.
In the background, the sailor gazes at the various ships and aircrafts used by the French Navy.
Above him are the letters "RF" (standing for "République Française") and the two hallmarks of the designer and Mint are on shown his left, under the submarine.
Below the diver on the lower right is the year "2026".
The Obverse of the Silver Proof 10 Euro coins features two interlocking hexagons serving as a frame for the text REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE and the coins’ denomination of EURO 10 along with a wreath of maple and olive branches.
The Obverse of the €2 coins is that of the standard Euro-zone design for all circulating 2 euro coins, the numeral 2 is superimposed over a map depicting Europe created by artist Luc Luycx.
Denomination Metal Weight Diameter Quality Maximum Mintage
2 Euro Bi-metallic 8.5 g. 25.7 mm. UNC 20 million
2 Euro Bi-metallic 8.5 g. 25.7 mm. BU 15,000
2 Euro Bi-metallic 8.5 g. 25.7 mm. Proof & Colour 15,000
10 Euro .333 Silver 13 g. 31 mm. BU & Colour 15,000
- Both the BU quality silver and €2 coins are presented in a blister-pak card folder with illustrations and text. The Proof €2 coins are encapsulated and presented in a custom case accompanied with a Certificate of Authenticity (COA).
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1) For more on the Olympics and Paralympics held in the past, including the origins and history of the Olympics and Commemorative coins issued both on London Olympics and Paralympics please read my post on the London Olympics 2012 link as follows: History of the ancient & modern Olympics and Paralympics & commemorative coins issued during the London Olympics and Paralympics
4) For Rio 2016, please click on the following link to get interesting insights into the mascots of the Rio Olympics Vinicius and Tom, the Games and the Commemorative Coins and stamps issue programme: 1)The 31st Summer Olympics "Rio 2016"2) Commemorative Stamps and booklets issued by the Department of Posts, India on 05.08.2016
5) For Ancient Olympic Games on Greek Coins of Antiquity, please click on the following link: Ancient Olympic Games on Greek Coins of Antiquity
6) For a set of Post cards titled "Olympic Events" : please click on the following link: "Olympic Events": A set of 12 Post Cards issued by the Karnataka Postal Circle, India Post on 11.07.2016
7) For a presentation set of two stamps titled "Spirit of Olympics, Athens, Atlanta" please visit the following link: Spirit of the Olympic Games, Athens-Atlanta: Celebrating the Centenary of the Modern Olympic Games
8) For a presentation set of four stamps titled "XXVIII Olympic Games" (2004 Summer Olympics Athens, Greece, please visit the following link: XVIII Summer Olympic Games, Athens Greece (2004)
9) For a presentation set of two stamps titled "XXIX Olympic Games" (2008 Summer Olympics, Beijing, China, please visit the following link: XXIX Olympic Games Beijing, China: 08.08.08- 24.08.08: A Presentation set of four stamps issued by India Post on 08.08.08
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