France 2014 5000 Euro French Excellency 250th Anniversary Baccarat 1kg Gold Coin
- Extremely Low mintage limit, only 29 pcs
- 1 KILO GOLD COIN - A PIECE OF ART
- Coin in capsule + with Certificate of Authenticity+ Presentation case
- The red octagon, so typical of Baccarat, is obtained my mixing gold and crystal
In 2014, Monnaie de Paris is celebrating its 1150th anniversary. For this occasion, Monnaie de Paris is launching a new collection named “French Excellence”, highlighting highly traditional French art crafts. This series will be followed for many years. The aim is to highlight every year one of the art crafts that constitute the unique heritage of French luxury, by working with one major house belonging to Colbert Committee (that is celebrating it’s 60th anniversary this year), joining our know-how to create a unique coin. This new series begins with Baccarat who celebrates it’s 250th anniversary in 2014. Monnaie de Paris and Baccarat teams have worked on a concept mixing metal and crystal, promoting the high level of requirements of craftsmen from those two houses. Founded in 1764 in Lorraine (France) upon King Louis XV’s approval, the crystal factory hasn’t stopped spreading its know-how virtuosity, always at the forefront of progress and transmitted through the centuries by a craftsmen elite. Blowers, glass cutters, engravers and gilders of the Manufacture are expressing their talent to put it at the service of excellence.
The first order for a glass service by Louis XVIII will be quickly followed by new prestigious orders by Charles X, Louis-Philippe, Napoleon III and numerous State Chiefs. The Duke and Duchess of Windsor, the Prince Aga Khan III, the Prince Rainier and the Princess Grace of Monaco and many other celebrities are seduced by the elegance and expression Baccarat’s know-how. These prestigious works of art have been rewarded during Paris Universal Expositions since 1855. Timeless, they keep exerting an incredible fascination and wonderment. From the luminary to tableware collections including the world of jewellery, Baccarat has been federating trends for 250 years, arising creations printed with contemporaneousness that become tomorrow’s classics, such as the pedestal table ordered in 1867 by Alexander II for the Tsarina, or the glasses set designed for the Tsar Nicholas II.
The Baccarat creations perpetuate elegance as much as know-how excellence. It is transmitted through the centuries by a craftsmen elite and reflects an incomparable heritage. It is practiced today by the manufacture’s teams among which there are 22 "Meilleur ouvrier de France". The engraving, the cutting or the blowing techniques are among this know-how and allow Baccarat to transfigure its traditions in creations. Emblem of this manufacture, the red is incarnated in an octagonal tassel that marks every product coming out of the Baccarat workshops. The vermilion red symbolises the know-how where craftsmen are working the material at hot temperatures. Obtained for the first time in 1847, this red is the result of the gradual merging of clear cristal and 24 carat gold at 540 degree. Thanks to diffraction and to the glass artist’s Breath this intense vermilion shade comes true.
Combining metal and crystal, the series has been completed in close cooperation with both houses. A long work of graphical researches was conducted by Monnaie de Paris engravers to develop this series that represents the subtle patterns of to art pieces designed by Baccarat and the red color, emblem of the house.
1 KILO GOLD COIN - A PIECE OF ART
In order to pay tribute to know-how and to highlight crystal art, the series is enriched by an exclusive 1 kg of pure gold coin in which we can find the harmony of shapes, the elegance of the lines and richness of patterns of the Baccarat creations. The aesthetic accomplishment and technique of this coin contains the spirit of alchemy, with crystal meeting metal. This coin constitutes an artistic prowess, obtained thanks to Monnaie de Paris’ master-engraver. The fineness of the patterns is magnificently rendered during striking carried out in the precious metal workshop. The prestigious artworks of the crystal manufacture bring the final touch, making the octagonal red crystal cabochon on the reverse of the coin. The master glass artist have also molded a large crystal clear octagon with a slot on its side that can receive the coin. It magnifies the gold details through diffraction of its multiple facets
AN EXCLUSIVE CASE: THE GOYARD TRUNK
This art piece is even more one in its trunk signed by Goyard. Founded in 1792, the Martin house, that became Moral was transmitted in 1852 to François Goyard. Under his direction, Goyard affirms its know-how of luggage-maker and takes part in the Universal Expositions. The history of Goyard is signed with the Goyardine. This cotton and linen canvas has been produced for 150 years in the same manner; it is coated and printed with printing frames. It is printed with an herringbone pattern, drawn at the beginning of the Goyard history. The collections are characterized by a timeless style and an historical know-how, defined notably by the use of metal parts in palladium plated brass. Depending on their type and size, the Goyard trunks have varied prices. As an example, the smallest trunks start around 3 500€ and can reach 70 000 to 80 000€ or more.
The trunk was elaborated exclusively for Monnaie de Paris. 72 hours of work are needed for the making of the trunk, and 60 hours for the cases and the base. Produced in 29 exclusive pieces, it is an exceptional product. The trunk is made of poplar wood and is then arrayed in the Goyardine canvas. Inside, it is wrapped with calf skin red leather as a tribute to Baccarat. It is composed of three trays made from a wooden structure and wrapped with leather. The trunk contains the clear crystal octagon with its leather box, the 1 kg gold coin in its purse, a magnifying glass, protective gloves, and the keys to lock the trunk. A numbered presentation booklet certificates the authenticity of this exceptional product goes with this set.