By Charlotte Reid 
The Mint has had to release additional coins to reduce their rarity and, consequently, their value.
20-franc coin, 1994, reverse side, the Sorbonne chapel in Paris.
A simple 2-euro coin is causing a stir in French schools and auction platforms. Distributed free of charge to four million primary school pupils to mark the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, this commemorative coin has become an object of desire.
With a special design featuring a stylised Eiffel Tower surrounded by Olympic symbols, some coins are already selling for hundreds, even thousands, of euros online, reports ADCF.
The initiative was born out of a collaboration between the Monnaie de Paris and the Ministry of National Education. Since the spring of 2024, pupils from CP to CM2 (aged 6 to 11) have been receiving this coin as a symbol of their participation in a historic moment for the country. The aim was to connect new generations with the Olympic Games through an educational and memorable object.
However, what began as a symbolic gesture quickly turned into a commercial phenomenon. As soon as they reached the students, the coins began to appear on online auction and resale sites. Some examples, especially those still in their original packaging, have reached starting prices of £220, with bids in some cases reaching £880.
The numismatic appeal of a limited edition
The exclusive design and commemorative nature of this coin have made it particularly attractive to collectors. It is not the first time that a coin minted for a special event has aroused passions in the world of numismatics. The aura of the Olympic Games and the possibility of preserving a “unique” souvenir for future generations have amplified interest.
To calm speculation, the Mint has announced the upcoming circulation of 24 million additional coins starting in June 2024. This will reduce its rarity and, with it, its value on the secondary market.
Beyond its auction price, this coin is intended to remain a cherished memento of a historic event experienced by an entire generation. Its true value, in the end, will be the personal significance that each family attaches to it.