Clovis to Republic Coin Series

The Clovis to Republic coin series honors those who shaped modern France through their leadership.

In 2011 the Paris Mint started minting those who had a significant part in forming
current day France. These coins have come out at a rate of three each year
honoring three people each year, and as the name indicates, the series starts with
Clovis. These coins are available in both silver and gold, and the ten euro silver
coin is the most economical way to own one. They are still at reasonable prices,
and the mint even continues to have some.

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The List of Coins

2011
Clovis 481–511
Charlemagne 768–814
Charles II 840–877, often called Charles the Bald

2012
Hugues Capet 987–996
Philippe II Auguste 1180–1223
Saint Louis IX 1226–1270

2013
Louis XI 1461–1483
Francis I 1515–1547
Henri IV 1589–1610

2014
Louis XIV 1643–1715, often called the Sun King
Napoleon I 1800–1815
Napoleon III 1848–1871

2015

Raymond Poincare 1913–1920
Charles de Gaulle 1959–1969
François Mitterand 1981–1995

Coins Honoring the Past Leaders for Many

These coins go much further back than France as a country in honoring leaders. Clovis was the man who united the Franks, but the Franks were a Germanic people. They formed a power in the world that would evolve into present day Europe. In fact, many countries in Europe have populations that come from the Franks.

Clovis is also credited with bringing Christianity to Europe in a major way. His wife led him to conversion, and when the leader converted his people soon followed.

Even the monarchy of the United Kingdom can claim Charlemagne in their line, which means so was Clovis, since Charlemagne is a direct descendant of Clovis.

Charlemagne was crowned the first Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire in the year 800 during Christmas Mass. His claim was that it was totally unexpected. He ruled over a vast empire consisting of much of Europe. Over the years the empire was divided by heirs until it fragmented into small units, no longer one great nation.

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Keepsakes of Our Ancestors

If you can trace your linage to a royal family of any fragment of the Holy Roman Empire you probably descend directly from both Clovis and Charlemagne. Actual coins from their reigns are rare and expensive, but a coin from this series can be a great heritage coin for many. Even if none of your ancestors can be traced to royalty, these men probably led your ancestors, so why not celebrate your heritage with an effigy of a forefather?

A Rich Heritage for the French

This entire series is a tribute to the formation of present day France. So, while the French heritage diverges from the heritage of other countries, you can celebrate the series as depicting these who gave the world French culture, even if you only celebrate some of these men.

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My Personal Connections

In looking through my genealogy I can get back to Charlemagne and Clovis. The branch that gets me to these men goes through England. But, other ancestors came to the United States from France via Nova Scotia and Quebec.

I have little memory of the event, but in my childhood I was taken to a parade. This parade was to honor Charles de Gaulle who was visiting the city of New Orleans, where I then lived. Charles de Gaulle was a personal participant in the parade.

So, much of this collection has some personal meaning to me.

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Updated: 09/29/2017, blackspanielgallery

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blackspanielgallery on 07/25/2015

France, Austria, Australia, New Zealand, and especially Canada have some nice issues.

Tolovaj on 07/25/2015

In our country we mint only two special coins per year - in four kinds of prints (apart from official series of all coins, which is also aimed at collectors only) and it's a pity to see how many opportunities are lost because there is no clear vision of goals to achieve. They also abandoned the existing plan for subscribers and it looks they sell less and less coins each year. In France apparently have a better plan.

blackspanielgallery on 07/17/2015

I started about 50 years ago, but now mostly buy and sell on my website, and pass along information like this. It is never too old to start. what most people do is pick one kind of coin to start with, and look through change. It is the least expensive way. Get a folder and tr to fill it, then add other kinds of coins when you are ready. If it is of interest, then you can start buying.