France to introduce new mark on its euro coins 2021

[eurocoin]

Some time ago fellow numismatist André Milhorat brought to my attention that the mark of Yves Sampo on the French euro circulation coins will as of 2021 be replaced by that of Joaquin Jimenez.

The mark on the coins used to be that of the person responsible for the engraving department of Monnaie de Paris, which Yves Sampo is.

Joaquin Jimenez has now received an even higher position as he has been promoted to General Engraver. This position did not exist for 16 years. In the past people had to win the Prize of Rome to get this prestigious position at Monnaie de Paris.


Image via Numismag.

[Figleaf]

Another great report and at least eight more new euro coin types for those who watch for mint and director's marks.

Peter

[CannedMeat]

Thank you for the notice.

And this also affects Monaco, French Polynesia, and several other places that have been putting the YS Pentagon on coins.. Even potentially Central African States, but they haven't issued anything since 2006 so they skipped the Pentagon. So scores of potential new variations.

[FosseWay]

What *is* it, though? And more importantly, how do I describe it in an Excel column intended to fit words like "wing", "torch", "fish" and "bee"?

[eurocoin]

And this also affects Monaco, French Polynesia, and several other places that have been putting the YS Pentagon on coins.. Even potentially Central African States, but they haven't issued anything since 2006 so they skipped the Pentagon. So scores of potential new variations.

You are right indeed, I had not realized this.

What *is* it, though? And more importantly, how do I describe it in an Excel column intended to fit words like "wing", "torch", "fish" and "bee"?

I assume they are the initials JJ made into a square so in an Excel column I would put it as 'initials'. In the article there is however no specific mention of this. He explains it as follows: The square is the sign of the earth and of work. The circle is the symbol of perfection and of the solar system. In the small square you can see shapes that represent a horn. The circle is an eye. Together they form the head of a rhinoceros. Jimenez apparently likes the rhinoceros.

Several new insights on a mark a variant of which has been on coins for decades. It is a pity that he is usually so unwilling to speak with numismatists, something that I have also experienced myself.

[FosseWay]

Thanks for the explanation. I can more or less see each element when you point them out but I'd never have interpreted JJ or a rhinoceros, for example, directly.

[chrisild]

The two squares, being his initials JJ, are not exactly new. That mark has been on several coins designed by Jimenez, see the attached "image combo". In 2015 for example he designed the "70 Years of Peace" and the "Fête de la Fédération anniversary" coins, in 2017 the Rodin piece ... What is new, it seems, is his job or position, and the added elements that eurocoin described. Will be interesting to see how much of these details can actually be recognized on a coin ...

Christian

[Angus]

Here is the mark on the 2021 50c coin - rather difficult to make out the rhinoceros!



All marks here: http://www.eurocollection.co.uk/Marks.html

[Globetrotter]

Engravers marks