The Paris Mint

Monnaie de Paris is the oldest continuing institution in France, created in the year 864 as a royal mint. Coins were made initially with hand-stamps, then from the 17th century with screw presses. The present ‘Hôtel des Monnaies’ was constructed between 1765 and 1775 by the neoclassical architect Denis Antoine on the Quai de Conti. It is part of the Banks of the Seine World Heritage site. The 177-metre building that faces the quay contained the offices, while courtyards behind contained workshops. In the 19th century the mint employed 1,900 people. Guided tours show visitors workshops where currency and medals are still made. A museum explains the process of making coins and medals and their significance. Around 2,000 pieces are on show from collections of 170,000 objects. Beautifully designed exhibitions give visitors opportunities to touch artefacts, hear experts talk and even see and smell the industrial processes of carving, stamping and casting.

The Paris Mint
Monnaie de Paris
11 Quai de Conti
75006 Paris
France
+33 (0) 140 - 465500
Homepage