According to French daily Le Parisien, the French Mint recently produced a 2-euro commemorative coin featuring the façade of Notre Dame Cathedral. The initial issue is 20 million, some of which will be distributed to the market within a few days.
Every year, the French government issues new coins to replace worn-out coins. About 50 to 60 million 2-euro coins are produced annually, and this commemorative coin was also made as part of it.
Marc Schwartz, president of the French Mint, explained, “It’s been about a year since Notre Dame Cathedral reopened, and the making of this coin is to honor all the craftsmen and craft techniques put into the restoration process.” He added, “If you use cash to shop, you can get a 2-euro coin commemorating the Paris Olympics, Louvre Museum, and Cathedral.”
Each member state within the 20 countries (eurozone) that use the euro has the right to issue two types of 2 euro commemorative coins every year. However, distribution is possible only after unanimous approval from all member states of the Eurozone.
Belgium submitted coins to commemorate the Battle of Waterloo and was rejected, said Jules Sabure, head of the Mint’s collection. “We should not offend citizens of other countries when they hold our coins in their hands.”
The Battle of Waterloo was a historic defeat of the French, led by Napoleon I, to the British and Prussian Allied Forces near Waterloo, Belgium, in June 1815, marking the end of the Napoleonic era.
In addition to the two-euro coins for commercial use, the Paris Mint will sell two types of collective coins engraved with Notre Dame Cathedral (2-euro coins, 10-euro silver coins).
SALLY LEE
US ASIA JOURNAL
