2026 France Copper-Nickel Marine animals UN

Animals occupy a central place in the collective imagination.

Whether familiar or distant, mysterious or majestic, they inspire a sense of fascination, respect and wonder in all of us. They bear witness to the beauty and diversity of life, as well as to the fragility of nature and the strength of the bonds we share with it.

In 2026, the Monnaie de Paris has chosen to celebrate this universal richness through a unique collection dedicated to the animals of the world. From the feline elegance of the tiger to the peaceful power of the elephant, via the grace of the hummingbird and the intelligence of the dolphin, each selected species symbolises a fragment of wildlife and global biodiversity.

The ocean is home to a wide variety of creatures, each with its own unique characteristics, such as dolphins, sea turtles, clownfish and coral, and each plays a vital role in this ecosystem. Intelligent, graceful or colourful, these marine creatures form a rich and fascinating world. Indispensable to the balance of the seas, they live in ecosystems that are as beautiful as they are fragile.

A wreath featuring symbols specific to each animal enhances the trio of depictions on each piece, like a family portrait.

The reverse shows the face value surrounded by two branches, one of oak and the other of laurel, evoking the Euro symbol. The entire reverse design is framed by ‘République Française’ and a collection of lines representing the Hexagon.