French commemorative euro coins have captured the attention of collectors and the public alike, embodying a certain “Euro Fantasy” for those fascinated by currency and history. In 2008, the release of a 5€ silver coin, boasting a mintage of 2 million, proved to be a significant event. Sold directly in post offices, these 50% silver coins were initially successful, even entering general circulation. However, their circulation was short-lived. Once it became widely known that these coins were only legal tender within France, people became hesitant to accept them in everyday transactions, and they gradually disappeared from common use.
The following year, a 10€ coin from the same “sower running” series was launched, this time with a higher 90% silver content and the same high mintage. This 10€ coin became a sought-after item for collectors, though it was rarely seen in general circulation. These initial 5€ and 10€ coins rekindled a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of the popular silver 5 Francs and 10 Francs coins from the 1960s, further fueling the “euro fantasy” surrounding French coinage.
In 2010, the introduction of the first 10€ regional series marked another chapter in the story of these collectible euros. Minted with 90% silver and sold in post offices within their respective regions, these coins were incredibly popular. Acquiring them often required reaching out to contacts in different regions, highlighting the strong collector interest. These regional 10€ coins were seldom found in circulation, and post offices quickly sold out. Certain issues, like the “Champagne – Ardennes” coin, have significantly increased in value on the secondary market, sometimes fetching six times their original price, adding to their “euro fantasy” appeal.
The 2011 second regional series continued this trend with attractive designs. Despite a reduced silver content of 50%, these coins remained popular and were widely collected, demonstrating the ongoing enthusiasm for French commemorative euros. However, the 2012 third and final regional series, dedicated to famous figures, did not generate the same level of excitement, suggesting a shift in collector preferences or market saturation.
In 2013, a new 5€ series, themed “Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité,” achieved success despite a further reduction in silver grade to 33%. With a large mintage of 2 million coins each, these were initially intended for wider circulation. However, collectors swiftly acquired these coins, preventing them from entering general use and further solidifying their status as collectible items rather than circulating currency.
Since 2014, subsequent 10€ series with a 33% silver grade have seen a decline in public and collector interest. While these coins remain legal tender in France, their appeal as part of the “euro fantasy” of valuable and sought-after commemorative coins has diminished, marking a change in the narrative of French euro coin collecting.
