The Monnaie de Paris sequel series to its superb From Clovis to Republic range debuted last month and is now launching the second of three coins due in 2016. Called Women of France, the series will feature women that “have left their mark on the history of France”. They are struck in a style called ‘History’, giving an effect reminisecent of the old hand-struck style of coins that were prevalent before modern methods of coin production came into widespread use.

First to be released was Queen Clotilde, and now we have William the Conquerer’s wife, Mathilde. The third coin will launch in July and feature Joan of Arc. The coins follow the Clovis format, a 22g 0.900 silver coin, and a ¼oz 0.920 gold coin, but in this case we have the rare release of a 1oz 0.999 gold version, something done only once for the Clovis series in five years. We’ve yet to determine if this will be the only 1oz gold in the range, or whether there will be one per year. The design on all three is the same, only the denomination differing, an three-quarter portrait of the Queen on the reverse face with a tapestry pattern lightly struck on the coins proof background, and a scene from the famous Bayeaux Tapestry on the obverse, also in a period style with the patterned background. Text inscriptions on both faces are again, well-placed and integrated into the design. The irregular edge and rimless design look as cool as ever. Packaged in the standard Monnaie de Paris box inside a coloured shipper with an enclosed, serialised Certificate of Authenticity, we’ve still not heard if a collectors box for the series like the one produced for Clovis will be offered.

This coin is, in our view at least, quite stunning, the equal of anything in the Clovis range and better than the Clotilde coin. It oozes classic design and manages to be medieval and modern all at the same time. Early images of the Joan of Arc coin look equally promising, and we have high hopes that this series will surpass its earlier counterpart in overall quality, no mean feat. One of our coins of the year so far, without question. Available to order now, the silver is €55.00, and the two gold coins €505.00 and €2,000.00 EURO respectively.