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Marianne (or Liberty): “The Trilogy”: A set of Euro denominated coins in Gold
and Silver brought out by Monnaie de
Paris on 20.01.2017:
The Monnaie de Paris (or “The Paris Mint”) has brought out a new set of
coins on 20.01.2017 that feature a modern version/rendition of Marianne,
the female allegory of France.
Since 1877,
Marianne has had the “place of honour” in official buildings throughout cities
and towns of the French Republic.
Her profile can be seen on
official documents, on definitive postage stamps and several banknotes and
coins from France’s legacy currency – the Franc.
She is a strong numismatic
symbol that has been present on French coinage since 1795. She is symbolic of a
warrior, the persona of peace, a nurturing mother and protector of the people. She
embodies “Liberty” which is a concept greatly treasured in France.
This latest coin trilogy
is part of an overall series, first introduced by the Monnaie de Paris as part of its initiative to commemorate classic
numismatic symbols by creating newer, contemporary versions of the past
numismatic styles or designs.
The first such
contemporary versions were seen in the 2008 to 2010 “re-interpretation” of
Oscar Roty’s original “The Sower”, followed by the 2011 to 2013 motif of
“Hercules, surrounded by Liberty and Equality”. From 2014 to 2016, the
“Rooster” figured Jules-Clement Chaplain.
20 Francs Gold Coin of Chaplain
Jules-Clement Chaplain (12.07.1939 to 13.07.1909): was a French sculptor and one of the finest coin designers/engravers and medallists. In 1877, he was named official medallist of the French government. He also received the commission for engraving the gold coinage of France among other honours and commissions.
Jules-Clement Chaplain (12.07.1939 to 13.07.1909): was a French sculptor and one of the finest coin designers/engravers and medallists. In 1877, he was named official medallist of the French government. He also received the commission for engraving the gold coinage of France among other honours and commissions.
With Oscar Roty, he helped
found the Art Nouveau movement.
Oscar
Roty (1846-1911): He was one of the most celebrated
medallists of the Art Nouveau period. Besides a huge number of medals and
plaquettes, he is well known as the designer of the “Semeuse” (meaning “The Sower”) on French silver coins and stamps.
“Le Semeuse” (the Sower)
on a French postage stamp of 1918.
Marianne “La Semeuse” on a
five French Francs coin (1970)
The
Marianne Trilogy:
The Obverse of the Gold 250 Euros Coin is designed by Joaquin
Jiminez. A stylised portrait of Marianne is depicted with contemporary accents.
Seen in profile, facing left, she embodies the
“Liberty” motto.
She is wearing a Phrygian Cap and a Heraldic Cockade that represents the three colours of the French
flag, along with a crown of oak and olive sprigs as a symbolic reference to strength
on the one hand and to peace, victory and fertility on the other.
Liberty is symbolised by
the letter “L” of the word “Liberte” (in
French) which transforms into a flight of birds that land in the cockade – a
strong symbol of the Republic which is a land of liberty. To the right of
Marianne, the year of issue “2017” is inscribed.
The Reverse of the 250 Euros Coins shows the denominational value
surrounded by two branches (oak and laurel) that evoke the euro symbol. The
entire Reverse motif is framed in a hexagonal design representing the stylised
geo-political shape of France.
The Specifications of the coins are:
Denomination: 250
Euros; Metallic Composition: .999
Gold; Weight: 3.75 grams; Diameter: 23.0 mm; Coin Quality: Brilliant Uncirculated;
Mintage Limit: 500; Year of Issue: 2017
The Specifications of the following two coins which are proposed
to be released at a later date are:
Denomination: 1,000
Euros; Metallic Composition: .999
Gold; Weight: Not decided yet;
Diameter: Not decided yet; Coin Quality: Brilliant Uncirculated;
Mintage Limit: 10,000; Year of Issue: to be announced
Denomination: 5,000
Euros; Metallic Composition: .999
Gold; Weight: Not decided yet;
Diameter: Not decided yet; Coin Quality: Brilliant Uncirculated;
Mintage Limit: 2,000; Year of Issue: to be announced
The Obverse of the Silver (20, 20 and 100 Euros) Coins is
designed by Joaquin Jiminez. A stylised portrait of Marianne is depicted with
contemporary accents.
Seen in profile, facing left, she embodies the
“Liberty” motto.
She is wearing a Phrygian
cap and a heraldic cockade that represents the three colours of the French
flag, along with a crown of oak and olive sprigs as a symbolic reference to strength
on the one hand and to peace, victory and fertility on the other.
Liberty is symbolised by
the letter “L” of the word “Liberte” (in
French) which transforms into a flight of birds that land in the cockade – a
strong symbol of the Republic which is a land of liberty. To the right of
Marianne, the year of issue “2017” is inscribed.
The Reverse of the Coins shows the denominational value
surrounded by two branches (oak and laurel) that evoke the euro symbol. The
entire Reverse motif is framed in a hexagonal design representing the stylised
geo-political shape of France.
The Specifications of the coins are:
Denomination: 20
Euros; Metallic Composition: .900
Silver; Weight: 18.0 grams; Diameter: 33.0 mm; Coin Quality: Uncirculated; Mintage Limit: 100,000; Year of Issue: 2017
Denomination: 20
Euros; Metallic Composition: .900
Silver; Weight: 18 grams; Diameter: 33.0 mm; Coin Quality: Proof; Mintage Limit: 10,000; Year of Issue: 2017
Denomination: 100
Euros; Metallic Composition: .900
Silver; Weight: 50.0 grams; Diameter: 47.0 mm; Coin Quality: Brilliant Uncirculated;
Mintage Limit: 15,000; Year of Issue: 2017
About
Marianne:
Marianne is a symbol of
the French Republic.
Two prominent female
figures symbolise the French Republic – one representation is that of “Marianne”
(usually shown as a proud and determined young woman), wearing a Phrygian Cap
(or Liberty Cap), freely displaying her ample charms and representing liberty,
equality and fraternity, while the second representation is “Liberty”
(generally shown as a more matronly, more modestly attired and sometimes wearing
a crown). One of the most famous representations of “Liberty” is by Eugene Delacroix
showing her décolleté (meaning “neckline”) and wearing a Liberty cap.
Throughout the 19th
Century, several French Republicans thought that the Phrygian Cap was too “Revolutionary”
and that a “legalist and peaceful Republic” should be represented with a more
affable headgear.
Marianne is by far the
most famous of the figures representing the French Republic. She is seen in
artistic representations as a mother nursing two children and sculpted as an
angry warrior singing the Marseillaise on the Arc de Triomphe. She has even been portrayed as a Saint. She holds
a place of honour in Town Halls and Law Courts, symbolising the “Triumph of the
Republic”.
Nevertheless, the derivation/origin
of her name is obscured in the mists of time.
One possible explanation forwarded
is that during the Revolution, a prominent Revolutionary fighter called
Marie-Anne used to wear a Phrygian Cap. This pretty girl of legend inspired the
revolutionaries and looked after those wounded in many battles across the
country.
Another probable explanation
could be that around 1792, in Puylaurens, in the Tarn Department, near
Toulouse, the townspeople sang a song in the Provencal language written by the
poet Guillaume Lavabre titled “La
guerison de Marianne” (or “Marianne’s Recovery (from illness)”).
In French, the name
Marianne is a compound of Marie (wished for child) and Anne (favour or grace)
symbolising a “newly born/free French Republic by the grace/favour of God”.
In many ways, she reminds one of Jeanne d’Arc or Joan of Arc who led a resurgent France to fight against the English occupation of France during the 100 Years War (1337-1453). The war’s turning point was reached in 1429 when the English army was forced to raise its siege of Orleans by a relief force led by Joan of Arc. Canonised in 1920, she has been long considered to be one of history’s greatest saints and an enduring symbol of French unity and nationalism.
In many ways, she reminds one of Jeanne d’Arc or Joan of Arc who led a resurgent France to fight against the English occupation of France during the 100 Years War (1337-1453). The war’s turning point was reached in 1429 when the English army was forced to raise its siege of Orleans by a relief force led by Joan of Arc. Canonised in 1920, she has been long considered to be one of history’s greatest saints and an enduring symbol of French unity and nationalism.
About the Phrygian Cap:
The new designs were inspired by the
symbols of freedom and justice used during the French Revolution. These symbols
include the Phrygian Cap used by the inhabitants of Phrygia (a
former region of Asia Minor, currently part of Turkey). The Romans gave a
special meaning to this cap, as slaves wore it when they were freed. During the
French Revolution, the cap became a symbol of liberty and was recognised as such
throughout the world. It was used
extensively during the Mexican and South American Revolutions to free their
nations from the Spanish occupation. In several countries, including Mexico, the
Phrygian Cap has been depicted on their coinage as a symbol of freedom.
Links:
1) Honouring Louis Braille on the Bicentenary of his birth in 2009
2) Honouring Charles Eduord Jeanneret popularly known as Le Corbusieur, the French architect who built the modern city of Chandigarh & several other projects: A 10 Franc Banknote issued by the Swiss National Bank
3) Fort St. George Museum, Chennai (Part iii): i) Indo-Danish coins ii) Indo-Dutch coins iii) Indo-French coins iv) Indo-Portuguese coins
4) a) Central Bank of West African States issues: the "Franc African Financial Community" (FCFA) b) Bank of Central African States issues : the "Franc Financial Cooperation in Central Africa (FFCCA)
5) French Indo-China issues: A silver one Paistre coin issued in 1895
6) Financial Institution for issuing uniform currency/coinage for French Overseas Territories in the Pacific & French Southern Territories of Antarctica: The Institut d'emission d'outre-Mer (IEOM) for French Polynesia (Tahiti), New caledonia, Wallis-et-Futuna and the erstwhile New Hebrides (present day Vanuatu)
7) Coinage of the French Polynesian Island of New Caledonia (or Nouvelle-Caledonie in French) - the CFP Franc
8) Bicentenary of the Battle of Waterloo and Napoleon's exile to St. Helena (Part I): A one Crown Commemorative Coin issued by the Ascension Island
9) Bicentenary of the Battle of Waterloo and Napoleon's exile to St. Helena (Part II) : coins commemorating the 200th Anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo: 1) A 5 GBP coin issued by the Royal Mint UK: 2) A "Drie Landen Zilverset" issued by the Royal Dutch Mint - which includes coins of Netherlands, Belgium and UK
10) Jeanne d'Arc or Joan of Arc or "The Maid of Orleans" or "La Pucelle": 200 & 50 Euro gold coins and 10 Euro Silver coins issued by Monnaie de Paris in July 2016
11) i)"Europa Coin Programme" or the Eurostar Programme ii) Monnaie de Paris has issued a series of six coins with the theme "The Age of Iron & Glass" in January 2017
12) 100th Anniversary of Auguste Rodin's passing away commemorated with gold and silver Euro coins issued by the Monnaie de Paris under its on-going "The 7 Arts" Coin Series
13) Statue of Liberty, Paris, France: "Treasures of Paris": Coin series issued by Monnaie de Paris on 20.01.2017
14) Marianne (or Liberty): "The Trilogy": A set of Euro denominated coins in Gold and silver brought out by Monnaie de Paris in January 2017
Links:
1) Honouring Louis Braille on the Bicentenary of his birth in 2009
2) Honouring Charles Eduord Jeanneret popularly known as Le Corbusieur, the French architect who built the modern city of Chandigarh & several other projects: A 10 Franc Banknote issued by the Swiss National Bank
3) Fort St. George Museum, Chennai (Part iii): i) Indo-Danish coins ii) Indo-Dutch coins iii) Indo-French coins iv) Indo-Portuguese coins
4) a) Central Bank of West African States issues: the "Franc African Financial Community" (FCFA) b) Bank of Central African States issues : the "Franc Financial Cooperation in Central Africa (FFCCA)
5) French Indo-China issues: A silver one Paistre coin issued in 1895
6) Financial Institution for issuing uniform currency/coinage for French Overseas Territories in the Pacific & French Southern Territories of Antarctica: The Institut d'emission d'outre-Mer (IEOM) for French Polynesia (Tahiti), New caledonia, Wallis-et-Futuna and the erstwhile New Hebrides (present day Vanuatu)
7) Coinage of the French Polynesian Island of New Caledonia (or Nouvelle-Caledonie in French) - the CFP Franc
8) Bicentenary of the Battle of Waterloo and Napoleon's exile to St. Helena (Part I): A one Crown Commemorative Coin issued by the Ascension Island
9) Bicentenary of the Battle of Waterloo and Napoleon's exile to St. Helena (Part II) : coins commemorating the 200th Anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo: 1) A 5 GBP coin issued by the Royal Mint UK: 2) A "Drie Landen Zilverset" issued by the Royal Dutch Mint - which includes coins of Netherlands, Belgium and UK
10) Jeanne d'Arc or Joan of Arc or "The Maid of Orleans" or "La Pucelle": 200 & 50 Euro gold coins and 10 Euro Silver coins issued by Monnaie de Paris in July 2016
11) i)"Europa Coin Programme" or the Eurostar Programme ii) Monnaie de Paris has issued a series of six coins with the theme "The Age of Iron & Glass" in January 2017
12) 100th Anniversary of Auguste Rodin's passing away commemorated with gold and silver Euro coins issued by the Monnaie de Paris under its on-going "The 7 Arts" Coin Series
13) Statue of Liberty, Paris, France: "Treasures of Paris": Coin series issued by Monnaie de Paris on 20.01.2017
14) Marianne (or Liberty): "The Trilogy": A set of Euro denominated coins in Gold and silver brought out by Monnaie de Paris in January 2017
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