France: New Collector Coins Celebrate Rugby World Cup and European Nations
The Monnaie de Paris has released a captivating series of collector coins to commemorate the upcoming 2023 Rugby World Cup, which France will host starting on September 8th. This marks the second time that France will host the prestigious rugby tournament since its first stint in 2007. In anticipation of the competition, the Monnaie de Paris has designed three series of coins, with the first series dedicated to honoring the great European nations of rugby.
The coins feature six countries that are not only participants in the Rugby World Cup but also hold prominent roles in the celebrated Six Nations tournament, the oldest and most famous international rugby competition. France, England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, and the competition emblem each have their respective designs envisioned by General Engraver Joaquin Jimenez of the Monnaie de Paris.
The French coin portrays the iconic Eiffel Tower, with a rugby player captured mid-run while fending off an opponent with the ball securely held under his arm. The contemporary-shaped shield displays the French flag, with the text FRANCE gracefully outlining the coin above and below the shield.
On the English coin, the top of the Elizabeth Tower, home to the renowned Big Ben, takes center stage. A rugby player in action is seen on the right side, accompanied by the English cross of St. George’s flag displayed on a contemporary-shaped shield. The coin is inscribed with the words ENGLAND and ANGLETERRE.
The Irish coin showcases the tower of Trinity College Dublin, while a rugby player assumes a defensive stance by firmly holding the ball against himself. The flag of Irish rugby is presented on a contemporary-shaped shield, with the country’s name written in both English and French (IRELAND and IRLANDE) following the coin’s outline.
Scotland’s coin features the Wallace Monument at its core, with a determined-looking rugby player charging forward, ball in hand. The Scottish cross of St. Andrew flag graces the left side of the design on a contemporary-shaped shield. The name of the country is elegantly inscribed in both French and English (SCOTLAND and ECOSSE) following the outline of the coin.
The Welsh coin highlights the medieval towers of Caernarfon Castle, while a rugby player dramatically throws himself on the ground, ball in hand, as if ready to score a touchdown. The contemporary-shaped shield prominently displays the Welsh flag, with the country’s name written in Welsh (CYMRU) and English (WALES) following the outline of the coin.
A sixth coin in the series features the official emblem of the Rugby World Cup France 2023, with the commemorative text RUGBY WORLD CUP FRANCE 2023 displayed below the logo. Stylized graphic elements representing France adorn the rim, breaking down the map of the country.
The reverse side of each coin showcases the illustrious Webb Ellis Cup, which will be awarded to the winner of the Rugby World Cup. The initials RF, representing Rugby France, and the face value of ¼€ are inscribed on either side of the cup, with the Rugby World Cup logo positioned below. The coin is encircled by the commemorative text COUPE DU MONDE RUGBY FRANCE 2023.
Each coin in the series can be purchased individually and is presented in a sealed coin-card format, beautifully illustrating and referencing the country and design it represents. The Monnaie de Paris invites rugby enthusiasts and collectors alike to celebrate the upcoming Rugby World Cup with these exquisite collector coins.
For additional information and to view the stunning designs, please visit the official Monnaie de Paris website.
