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CC 514 2024
Coincard
BU
Coincard – Issue 3
France · Herkules and the Struggle - Notre Dame (Series: Olympic Summer Games, Paris 2024 - 4/4)
Mintage100,000
Issue date9 Jan 2024
PackagingCoincard
Edge lettering2 ★ ★ × 6, alternating upright/inverted
Market price€12.90
Mintage information from source: 5 x 100.000
Issue occasion
The coin commemorates the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, which are being held there again 100 years after the 1924 Games. The design shows Hercules engaged in an ancient wrestling match with the Chimera of Notre-Dame; the Notre-Dame Cathedral is depicted in the background. An athletics track frames the scene and bears the logo of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris as well as the “RF” mark.
The design
For the countdown to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, Monnaie de Paris celebrates the road to the Games in Paris as well as its own heritage.
100 years after the 1924 Games, the French capital is once again hosting the Olympic Summer Games. Preparations for this international event have gained increasing momentum in recent years, culminating in 2024 with the issue of two-euro commemorative coins marking the Olympic Games.
The design depicts Herkules engaged in an ancient wrestling match with the Chimera of Notre-Dame, an allusion to the Olympic Games of antiquity. Notre-Dame Cathedral can be seen behind the wrestlers. In the background, the coin design is framed by an athletics track, into which the logo of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris has been incorporated on the left. The year of issue, the “RF” mark and the mintmarks are also incorporated into the athletics track.
The outer ring of the coin depicts the twelve stars of the European flag.
100 years after the 1924 Games, the French capital is once again hosting the Olympic Summer Games. Preparations for this international event have gained increasing momentum in recent years, culminating in 2024 with the issue of two-euro commemorative coins marking the Olympic Games.
The design depicts Herkules engaged in an ancient wrestling match with the Chimera of Notre-Dame, an allusion to the Olympic Games of antiquity. Notre-Dame Cathedral can be seen behind the wrestlers. In the background, the coin design is framed by an athletics track, into which the logo of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris has been incorporated on the left. The year of issue, the “RF” mark and the mintmarks are also incorporated into the athletics track.
The outer ring of the coin depicts the twelve stars of the European flag.
Background on the topic
Herkules, known as Herakles in Greek mythology, is a legendary hero renowned for his extraordinary physical strength. Several traditions associate him with the origins of the ancient Olympic Games in Olympia. Wrestling was one of the classical athletic disciplines there and was held without modern weight classes. The depiction therefore refers not only to sport in general, but also to its mythological and ancient origins.
In France, Herkules also has his own numismatic tradition. During the French Revolution, the medallist Augustin Dupré designed a group depicting Herkules between two female personifications. In various versions, this motif later appeared on French franc coins. On French coin issues, Herkules therefore represents less a specific historical person than strength, unity and state continuity.
The so-called Chimeras of Notre-Dame are stone fantasy creatures on the upper sections of the Paris cathedral. Unlike gargoyles, they have no function in draining rainwater. Many of these figures were only created during the 19th-century restoration under Eugène Viollet-le-Duc. They are therefore not part of the original medieval sculptural decoration, but shape the modern image of Notre-Dame. Particularly well known is a horn-like demonic figure overlooking Paris. The cathedral itself was built from the 12th century onwards and is closely connected with the history of the French capital. After the fire in 2019, it was extensively restored.
Paris had already hosted the Summer Games in 1900 and, after London, became the second city to host them for the third time in 2024. The Games of 1924 contributed to the development of the modern Olympic ceremonial; among other things, a purpose-built Olympic village was used for the first time. The coin issue therefore combines several elements: ancient sporting tradition, French numismatic history and a widely recognisable Parisian landmark. It formed part of a multi-year French coin series accompanying the progression towards the Games.
In France, Herkules also has his own numismatic tradition. During the French Revolution, the medallist Augustin Dupré designed a group depicting Herkules between two female personifications. In various versions, this motif later appeared on French franc coins. On French coin issues, Herkules therefore represents less a specific historical person than strength, unity and state continuity.
The so-called Chimeras of Notre-Dame are stone fantasy creatures on the upper sections of the Paris cathedral. Unlike gargoyles, they have no function in draining rainwater. Many of these figures were only created during the 19th-century restoration under Eugène Viollet-le-Duc. They are therefore not part of the original medieval sculptural decoration, but shape the modern image of Notre-Dame. Particularly well known is a horn-like demonic figure overlooking Paris. The cathedral itself was built from the 12th century onwards and is closely connected with the history of the French capital. After the fire in 2019, it was extensively restored.
Paris had already hosted the Summer Games in 1900 and, after London, became the second city to host them for the third time in 2024. The Games of 1924 contributed to the development of the modern Olympic ceremonial; among other things, a purpose-built Olympic village was used for the first time. The coin issue therefore combines several elements: ancient sporting tradition, French numismatic history and a widely recognisable Parisian landmark. It formed part of a multi-year French coin series accompanying the progression towards the Games.