Description In 2026, Monnaie de Paris celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Concorde’s first commerical flight. The famous supersonic aircraft was launched commercially on January 21st, 1976 with two simultaneous flights departing from the partner countries that developed it: France and Great Britain. The aircraft that took off from Paris flew to Rio via Dakar, while the one that took off from London flew to Bahrain. A true technological gem, a symbol of modernity and still the holder of speed records for commercial flight, the Concorde was nevertheless not a commercial success and was taken out of service in 2003. This collection, created in collaboration with comic book artist Romain Hugault, immortalises the Concorde amid its most iconic destinations: New York and Rio. On the obverse, the centre of the composition features a representation of the Concorde seen from above. In place of its right delta wing stands the Eiffel Tower, which, with its shape resembling that of the supersonic aircraft, blends perfectly with it. The fusion of these elements recalls both the nationality of the Concorde and its first take-off location. On either side of the central subject, vertical lines evoke the aircraft’s blazing speed. The words “50 ans de la mise en service du Concorde” meaning ‘50 years since the Concorde entered service’ and the yeardate complete the design. The reverse of this coin highlights the most prestigious destinations served by Air France’s Concorde: New York and Rio. The design features the Concorde flying at full speed over Rio Bay, recognisable by the Corcovado seen from behind and Sugarloaf Mountain. Above the aircraft, New York is symbolised by the face of the Statue of Liberty dominating the iconic Manhattan skyline of the late 20th century, in which the twin towers can be seen. The face value and the letters RF complete the design.
