Monnaie de Paris is launching a new collection named “French Excellence”, to celebrate its 1150th anniversary. This new series begins with Baccarat who celebrates it’s 250th anniversary in 2014. The €5,000 French Excellency 250th Anniversary of Baccarat 1kg Gold Coin are a limited and Numeroted edition with only 29 Pieces.
Monnaie de Paris and Baccarat teams have worked on a concept mixing metal and crystal, promoting the high level of requirements of craftsmen from those two houses. This one-kilo pure gold coin shows a generous diameter of 85 millimetres and is of Proof Quality.
The intricate pattern of curves on the obverse picks up the motif on the Tsarina’s pedestal table and in its centre is the monogram of the French Republic (RF) as used on the Baccarat service for the French Presidency.
The reverse picks up the elements of the Tsar’s glass, combining the motifs of the scalloped base with diamond points and palm leaves. A glassblower in a contemporary style appears in the foreground and gives shape to a glass. The red crystal cabochon, typical of Baccarat, forms the number zero.
The gold coin slots into a large clear crystal octagon which enhances the detail of the motif thanks to the diffraction of its multiple facets. Published in the “Journal Officiel de la République Française”, the face value of € 5,000 makes this work of art a real coin of the French Republic and therefore legal tender. Furthermore, a decree from the Minister of Finance has limited its production to 29 pieces.
The Baccarat creations perpetuate elegance as much as know-how excellence. It is transmitted through the centuries by a craftsmen elite and reflects an incomparable heritage. It is practiced today by the manufacture’s teams among which there are 22 "Meilleur ouvrier de France". The engraving, the cutting or the blowing techniques are among this know-how and allow Baccarat to transfigure its traditions in creations. Emblem of this manufacture, the red is incarnated in an octagonal tassel that marks every product coming out of the Baccarat workshops. The vermilion red symbolises the know-how where craftsmen are working the material at hot temperatures. Obtained for the first time in 1847, this red is the result of the gradual merging of clear cristal and 24 carat gold at 540 degree. Thanks to diffraction and to the glass artist’s Breath this intense vermilion shade comes true.
This work of art is even more precious in its transport case designed by Goyard. A trunkmaker since 1853, Goyard is a retailer that is known and sought after by some of the world’s most prominent figures. This trunk was produced exclusively for Monnaie de Paris and required 72 hours of work and 60 hours for the presentation cases and trays inside. Made out of poplar, the trunk is covered in Goyard’s famous chevron motif canvas, which has been used by the brand for over 150 years. Inside, it is lined with full-hand calfskin from French tanneries which has been dyed red as a tribute to Baccarat. The trunk’s three wooden trays are also lined with leather. The trunk holds the transparent crystal octagon slotted into is bespoke leather case, the one-kilo coin in its leather coin purse, a magnifying glass, protective gloves and keys to close it. A numbered presentation booklet certifies the authenticity of this exceptional product.
For more information about this coin, please contact 0033-14046-5930.
