In 1905, thus 100 years ago, the writer Jules Verne died. On that occasion the French Mint has issued a series of coins - one brass piece and several silver and gold coins.

1/4 euro base metal coin (in folder):
http://www.honscha.de/bilder/14fr05g.jpg

Common reverse of the three silver 1 1/2 euro coins:
http://boutique.monnaiedeparis.fr/intersho...41234850000.jpg

1 1/2 euro "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea"
http://boutique.monnaiedeparis.fr/intersho...41234850000.jpg

1 1/2 euro "From the Earth to the Moon"
http://www.honscha.de/bilder/15fr059g.jpg

1 1/2 euro "Around the World in Eighty Days"
http://boutique.monnaiedeparis.fr/intersho...41234470000.jpg

There are other silver and gold versions, with higher face values and even higher prices, as well. But they have the same designs as the €1.50 coins ...

Christian

I saw those on a website I frequent. They are a little too "busy" for me and quite expensive.

A bit cluttered indeed. But I like the third design (Around the World in Eighty Days). Will certainly not buy them all, but that one maybe, and the quarter which costs about €5.

Another one I was interested in is this year's Sower coin. When I read about the theme (Separation of Church and State) I thought, sounds promising. But I was somewhat disappointed by the design:
http://www.honscha.de/bilder/15fr057g.jpg

And yes, those French commems are expensive ... Not really "worse" than US commems, but the Monnaie de Paris issues coins on (too) many occasions.

Christian

They are "worse" as far as price for me. I haven't seen a French commem less than $45 here. I like the side with the woman, but the other side isn't too hot.

I have always loved the 'Sower' image. It looks nice, too bad the other side is not as inspiring.

As to the Vernes coins. I too found the Around the world coin to be the most appealing. I am not sure I will get it however. The amount of coins and sets being issued by the Mint here this year is really hitting my budget hard. Not to mention the numerous bids I will be placing at this Saturday's SNY auction.

The 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea coin is really attractive to me. I'll have to try and get that one.

indeed....

I used to be an avid collector of French modern silver proofs. It was a pretty hard task (and an expensive one) trying to keep up with their prolific output at times. Still, the coins were excellent during the 100fr = 15 ecu / euro period even though at times I felt that they were struggling to find something worthwhile to make a coin for.

To be `Franc', I think their commemorative designs this century are very second rate (just my way of saying that they suck big time), and i'm surprised that they are getting away with it. The home market must be strong, loyal and supportive of developing designers. Who knows. Maybe one day one of the designers will mature into a real professional and we'll see what the French are truly capable of again, rather than the c.r.a.p. they are currently churning out. Just my humble opinion of course.

Ian

Ian