4353) The Genius of the Bastille, Republic of France (Republique Francaise): "Trilogy Coin Series": The First Coins in the Series are 100 Euro Silver and 250 Euro Gold Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) Coins issued by the Monnaie de Paris (The Paris Mint) which feature the male allegorical figure known as the Genius of Liberty or also, the Genius of Bastille: Date/Year of Coins issue: 27.01.2026:
The Monnaie de Paris has released the first 100 Euro Silver and 250 Euro Gold Coins in their fourth Trilogy series highlighting this familiar design.
The historic Genius of the Bastille design features on the Reverse side. On the Obverse are featured the three Principles of the French Republic - "LIBERTY. EQUALITY. FRATERNITY (speli in French)
The new collection is part of the Trilogy series first launched in 2017.
The designs featured are inspired from previous numismatic themes or familiar designs seen on French coinage.
For 2026, the new series focuses on the Genius allegorical figure:
- The first instalment of this new trilogy is dedicated to the male allegorical figure known as the Genius of Liberty or also, the Genius of the Bastille.
- Heir to ancient and revolutionary traditions, the Genius is recognisable by his winged body and the star or flame on his forehead.
- Featured on coins from the French Revolution, the Genius embodies an allegorical concept, a powerful idea that unites.
- The central figure in Monnaie de Paris's new numismatic trilogy, the centuries-old legacy of the Genie is reborn in a collection that presents three of its many facets.
The next two instalments of the trilogy will highlight other figures of genius, spanning the ages and revolutions which unite the sovereign French people.
The Coins:
The 250 Euro (Gold) and 100 Euro (Silver) Coins have been designed by Joaquin Jimenez.
The first coin in the French Genius trilogy and design is based on the work sculpted by Auguste Dumont in 1836 to crown the July Column in Place de la Bastille in Paris.
- The Genius is depicted as a naked figure with angel wings.
- In his right hand, he proudly brandishes a torch, symbolising the light that will guide the people, while his left hand grasps a broken chain, a symbol of liberation from what was once the "Ancien Regime".
(The Ancien Régime (French for “old order”) refers to the political and social system that governed France before the French Revolution in 1789.
It was a deeply hierarchical structure that had developed over centuries, rooted in feudal traditions and reinforced by monarchy and privilege.
Key Features of the Ancien Régime:
Absolute Monarchy:
The King held supreme authority, with power centralised in the crown. Louis XIV, the “Sun King,” is often seen as the embodiment of this absolutist rule.
Three Estates System:
Society was divided into three rigid estates:
First Estate: Clergy (enjoyed privileges, exempt from many taxes).
Second Estate: Nobility (held land, influence, and privileges).
Third Estate: Everyone else — peasants, urban workers, and the bourgeoisie (shouldered most of the tax burden).
Lack of Citizenship:
People were subjects of the King rather than citizens with rights. Status and rights flowed from estate membership, not from individual identity.
Economic Inequality:
The common people bore heavy taxation and feudal dues, while the privileged estates were largely exempt. This imbalance fueled resentment and unrest.
End of the Ancien Régime:
The system collapsed with the outbreak of the French Revolution, symbolised by events like the Storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789.
The background features linear designs and illustrations of olive leaves symbolising peace.
The Obverse of the 100 Euro Silver and 250 Euro Gold Coins is inspired by the Obverse side of the 100 franc ‘Fraternité’ coins released in 1988 and common to this trilogy set.
The French national motto LIBERTE, EGALITE, FRATERNITE is featured in stylised text and centred. Positioned in the lower middle of the text is an image of the "faisceau de licteur" consisting of a tied bundle of rods, a powerful symbol of the Republic.
Below the bundle are the initials "RF" representing Republique Francaise.
The bundle is topped with a Phrygian cap, which became an emblem of the revolution, order and freedom.
Below the motto is the denomination "250 EURO (Gold) or 100 EURO (Silver).
The specifications of these Coins are:
Denomination Metal Weight Diameter Quality Mintage Limit
100 Euro .900
Silver 45 g. 47 mm. BU 10,000 pieces
250 Euro .999
Gold 1.75 g. 13 mm. BU 15,000 pieces
- - Available from the 27th January, the Silver coin is encapsulated and enclosed in a card case folder with printed protective sleeve.
- - The Gold coin is encased and presented in a custom case accompanied with a Certificate of Authenticity (COA).
Links to the Genius of Bastille Coin Series:
Links to "La Art de la Plume (The Art of Writing) Coin Series:
Posts on Agatha Christie by Royal Mail UK:
Links to posts on this Blog on The Little Prince:
Links to Posts on Concorde Supersonic Airliner:
Links:
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
Links to the Mutiny on the Bounty Coins/Stamps:
Links to other posts in Metropolis Tiffany Art Coin Series:
Rsanker Sharma has commented:
ReplyDelete"Very nice and informative post."
Thank you so much, Sharma sahab.
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