The Royal Mint’s City Views collection, a stunning series of coins, continues to make its way around the world, showcasing the beauty and history of iconic cities. After stops in London and Rome, the collection now arrives in Paris, one of the world’s most famous cultural capitals. This collection is inspired by the historic European thalers of the 16th to 18th centuries, which often featured detailed city views. The Paris edition of the collection captures the essence of this magnificent city, celebrating its architectural beauty and its most famous landmark—the Eiffel Tower.
| Coin Version | Weight | Diameter | Mintage Limit | Available Pieces | Price (GBP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-ounce £2 Coin (Silver) | 31.21 grams | 38.61 mm | 2,010 pieces | 2,000 available | £103.50 |
| 2-ounce £5 Coin (Silver) | 62.86 grams | 40 mm | 1,006 pieces | 1,000 available | £195.00 |
| 5-ounce £10 Coin (Silver) | 156.3 grams | 65 mm | 181 pieces | 175 available | £487.50 |
| 1-ounce £100 Coin (Gold) | 31.21 grams | 32.69 mm | 160 pieces | 150 available | £2,770 |
| 2-ounce £200 Coin (Gold) | 62.42 grams | 40 mm | 131 pieces | 125 available | £5,305 |
| 5-ounce £500 Coin (Gold) | 156.3 grams | 50 mm | 31 pieces | 25 available | £12,725 |
| 1-kilogram £1,000 Coin (Gold) | 1,005 grams | 100 mm | 3 pieces | 2 available | £77,565 |
In this article, we’ll explore the details of the Paris edition of the City Views collection, including the design inspiration, coin specifications, and how collectors can get their hands on these limited edition treasures.
The Royal Mint’s City Views Collection: A Cultural Journey
The City Views collection by the Royal Mint celebrates some of the most iconic cities in the world by showcasing their most famous landmarks. After London and Rome, the collection has made its way to Paris. This series of coins is not only a tribute to the cities they represent but also to the art of coin design itself. Inspired by historic thalers from the 16th to 18th centuries, the coins in the City Views collection aim to reflect the timeless beauty and architectural grandeur of these cities.
Paris, known for its rich history and stunning landmarks, serves as the perfect subject for the third coin in the series. The Paris coin design features a historic view of central Paris, taken from the banks of the River Seine. The design is adapted from a wood engraving and lithograph created in 1900, showcasing the city in its classic form. The Eiffel Tower, an architectural marvel and symbol of Paris, is prominently featured, dominating the skyline.
Coin Design and Features: A Glimpse of Paris
The Paris coin in the City Views collection is an intricate work of art. The reverse side of the coin features a beautiful adaptation of the wood engraving and lithograph, which shows Paris in all its glory. The city’s skyline is dominated by the Eiffel Tower, which has become the defining structure of the city and a symbol of France itself.
The obverse of each coin in the City Views collection features the Martin Jennings effigy of King Charles III, marking this as the first coin in the series to feature his official portrait. This portrait has become a new symbol for British coinage, bringing a modern touch to the historic coins in the collection.
Coin Specifications and Pricing: A Collectible Treasure
The Royal Mint has released several different versions of the Paris coin, each with unique specifications, pricing, and availability. The collection includes both silver and gold coins, with limited mintage numbers ensuring their exclusivity and collectible value. Let’s take a closer look at the different options available for collectors:
Silver Coins:
- 1-ounce £2 Coin
- Weight: 31.21 grams
- Diameter: 38.61 mm
- Mintage Limit: 2,010 pieces (2,000 available individually)
- Price: £103.50
- 2-ounce £5 Coin
- Weight: 62.86 grams
- Diameter: 40 mm
- Mintage Limit: 1,006 pieces (1,000 available individually)
- Price: £195.00
- 5-ounce £10 Coin
- Weight: 156.3 grams
- Diameter: 65 mm
- Mintage Limit: 181 pieces (175 available individually)
- Price: £487.50
Gold Coins:
- 1-ounce £100 Coin
- Weight: 31.21 grams
- Diameter: 32.69 mm
- Mintage Limit: 160 pieces (150 available individually)
- Price: £2,770
- 2-ounce £200 Coin
- Weight: 62.42 grams
- Diameter: 40 mm
- Mintage Limit: 131 pieces (125 available individually)
- Price: £5,305
- 5-ounce £500 Coin
- Weight: 156.3 grams
- Diameter: 50 mm
- Mintage Limit: 31 pieces (25 available individually)
- Price: £12,725
- 1-kilogram Gold Coin
- Weight: 1,005 grams
- Diameter: 100 mm
- Mintage Limit: 3 pieces (2 available individually)
- Price: £77,565
Why Collect the Paris Coin?
The City Views collection is more than just a set of coins; it is a celebration of the history, culture, and beauty of some of the world’s most iconic cities. The Paris coin, with its historic design and limited availability, is a collector’s dream. Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or a newcomer to coin collecting, this series offers something for everyone. With the coin’s fine silver and gold quality and its historical inspiration, it represents a valuable addition to any collection.
Paris itself is one of the most admired cities in the world, known for its romantic allure, art, culture, and of course, the Eiffel Tower. By owning a coin that features a view of this magnificent city, collectors are able to hold a piece of history in their hands.
How to Order the Paris Coin
For those interested in adding the Paris coin to their collection, the Royal Mint offers the opportunity to order directly from their official website. Given the limited mintage, collectors should act fast to ensure they don’t miss out on this exclusive release. Each coin comes with a certificate of authenticity, making it not only a beautiful collectible but also a valuable one.
Conclusion: A Collector’s Dream
The Paris coin in the City Views collection is more than just a piece of currency; it’s a work of art that celebrates one of the most iconic cities in the world. With its limited mintage, high-quality design, and historical inspiration, this coin is a must-have for collectors. Whether you’re passionate about numismatics or simply love Paris, this coin offers a unique way to commemorate the beauty and charm of the City of Light.
For those interested in owning a piece of history, the Royal Mint offers these stunning coins for purchase directly from their website. As the City Views collection continues its journey around the world, the Paris edition is sure to remain one of the most sought-after coins in the series.
FAQs
1. What is the Paris City Views coin collection?
The Paris City Views collection is part of the Royal Mint’s City Views series, which celebrates famous cities around the world. This collection features coins showcasing iconic landmarks of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower, as seen through a historic wood engraving and lithograph from 1900.
2. What designs are featured on the Paris coins?
The reverse side of the Paris coins shows a historic view of central Paris from the banks of the River Seine, with the Eiffel Tower prominently displayed. The obverse features a portrait of King Charles III, marking this as the first coin in the series with his effigy.
3. How many versions of the Paris coins are available?
There are seven different versions of the Paris coin, including both silver and gold options in various sizes, ranging from 1-ounce to 1-kilogram gold coins.
4. Are the Paris coins limited edition?
Yes, each coin in the Paris collection has a limited mintage, making them exclusive collectibles. The number of available pieces varies for each coin version, with some coins being very limited in quantity.
5. Where can I purchase the Paris coins?
Prices for the Paris coins vary depending on the size and material. For example, the 1-ounce silver coin is priced at £103.50, while the 1-kilogram gold coin costs £77,565. Prices reflect the rarity and quality of the coins.