Speed or rush? Monnaie de Paris must ask itself the question. The establishment at 11 quai de Conti, which has been minting French currency since 864, launched the production of 27 million coins of 10, 20 and 50 euro cents at the beginning of November, displaying a brand new logo on the front. In a hurry to launch production, Monnaie de Paris did not wait for the green light, although obligatory, from the European Commission. But La Lettre reveals that the visual was rejected at the beginning of December by Brussels, which considers the European stars to be inconspicuous.
Too late. Approved in advance by Bercy, production of the parts had already begun. Employees of the Monnaie de Paris even worked day and night to meet deadlines. On December 7, a visit by the Minister of Economy and Finance, Bruno Le Maire, was to take place at the headquarters of the Paris Mint, Quai de Conti. Invitations had even been sent. “Production was launched so that the coins would be ready at the beginning of 2024,” retorts the Monnaie de Paris. “Independently of the ministerial visit,” we take care to specify.
Also readBehind the scenes at the Monnaie de Paris
Forced to quickly destroy and re-mint the 27 million coins, the Paris Mint prefers to speak of an “industrial setback that we could have done without”. According to the Letter, this setback could still cost between 700,000 and 1.2 million euros, an amount that the Monnaie de Paris has not confirmed. The institution simply points out that this series represents less than 2% of its annual production and that it has been entirely recycled. The presentation of these new funds should take place in the coming weeks. The opportunity for the French to judge this new visual on its own.
