French Mint to Sell Gold Investment Coins Starting June 16

The Monnaie de Paris announced Tuesday that it will sell solid-gold coins for investment, the first such issue since it stopped producing Napoleons and Louis coins a century ago. 1 grams). One side will feature the symbolic Marianne face representing the French Republic, while the other will show a map of the nation's territories.

Sales begin Tuesday online for the Mint's most loyal customers of collectible medals and coins and open to the general public on June 16. The coins will be sold at market prices, currently around $4,600 an ounce after gold prices rose more than 65 percent last year. The Mint will also offer a digital "e-Marianne" coin that it will hold in custody until the owner chooses to sell.

The coins will compete on the global market with South African Krugerrands, Canadian Maple Leafs, and American Gold Eagles. Mint chief Marc Schwartz told journalists the goal is to "democratize the gold market in France," citing investor demand as prices have risen in recent years. Most investors seeking gold exposure currently use market-traded funds or shares in gold mining firms. 7 percent.