France: Third and Final Proof Coin Set in Ors de France Series Features the Franc a Cheval

Since 2008, symbols of French numismatics have featured over three-year intervals by revisiting these unique and admired designs by introducing them to new coin collectors through contemporary numismatics. After the Sower - 2008, Hercules - 2011, the Rooster - 2014, Marianne - 2017, and natural symbols - 2020, the Monnaie de Paris showcased from 2023 three historic and emblematic coins that have built French numismatic heritage. The Franc, the Louis d'or, and the Napoleon, these names of these coins or monetary formats are familiar to so many. For numismatists young and old, these names most often evoke precious and ancient coins that have built the History of France. Often confused, these fragments of History are nowadays favoured for investment because of their historical value and precious metal content.

To continue highlighting this heritage and complete the currencies that have become so renowned, the third and final part of the Ors de France trilogy, is unveiled and dedicated to the very first Franc - the Franc à Cheval. Issued in December 1360 during the reign of King Jean II (1319 – 1364) also known as le Bon, the Franc à cheval was struck to celebrate the liberation of the sovereign who was captured by the English during the Hundred Years' War, hence the name ‘Franc’ which translated to mean ‘Free’. Weighing 3.88 grams of pure 24 carat gold, the coin had an exchange rate equal to one livre tournoi. Three million Franc coins were minted which was used to pay the ransom of King Jean – the coin also made a political statement as the name was a clear reference to the freedom the coins bought for their sovereign. The obverse side of the coins depicted King Jean II on horseback galloping towards the left, sword held high while charging into battle, wearing a crowned helmet topped with a lily, and over his chainmail a fleur-de-lis coat of arms. The horse's ornamental covering is also embroidered with fleurs-de-lis. The legend around the design read IOHANNES DEI GRATIA • FRANCORV REX (John, by the grace of God, king of the Franks).  The reverse side was decorated with a leafy cross and heart-shaped quatrefoil, which was itself adorned with palmettes and flanked by four hollow trefoils. The circular inscription read XPC VINCIT • XPC REGNAT • XPC IMPERAT (Christ conquers, Christ reigns, Christ commands). After King Jean’s death in 1364, his son and successor King Charles V (1338 1380) continued minting these new franc coins with his image on horseback and his name in the legend.

A reinterpretation of the historic Franc à cheval, this iconic coin is created by Monnaie de Paris Chief engraver Joachin Jimenez and is based on the gold denomination issued in December 1360 for King Jean II. Featuring the monarch on horseback charging into battle, the quatrefoils originally featured on the reverse of the historical coin and which were evocative of the emerging Gothic style, have been modernised and are placed alongside the sovereign, also shown as a decorative background. The words LIBERTE EGALITIE FRATERNITE – motto of the French Republicare placed around the primary design and along the left, top and bottom rim. The year of issue, 2025 is shown just to the right of King Jean on horseback. The reverse side of this new collection is shared on all three years of the Ors de France collection which pays tribute to all three eras which this trilogy highlights. Set within a hexagon border, these three graphic friezes representing the Napoleonic era, the Ancien Regime and the Middle Ages is formatted to interpret the French flag in its heraldic form. The face value, the RF initials and the guarantee hallmarks complete the composition.

Available from the 21st January, all BU examples are encapsulated and presented in a folder-style case with the coins’ specifications included on the back cover. Each BU version is sold for their face value. The proof quality coins are encapsulated and presented in a Monnaie de Paris branded case accompanied with a certificate of authenticity. For additional information on the current trilogy, please visit the e-webshop of the Monnaie de Paris. Additional denominations of 1,000, 2,500, 5,000 and 10,000 Euro gold coins will be released during the year.