Gustave Eiffel (1832–1923) was a French engineer and architect renowned for designing the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris, one of the world’s most recognisable landmarks. Born in Dijon, France, Eiffel initially studied chemistry but later pursued engineering, establishing himself as a leading figure in the construction industry during the late 19th century. His expertise in metal structures was demonstrated through various
projects, including the structural framework for the Statue of Liberty
in New York.

However, his most celebrated achievement remains the Eiffel Tower, constructed for the 1889 Exposition Universelle held in Paris to celebrate the centennial of the French Revolution. Initially met with scepticism and criticism, the tower’s innovative design and engineering marvel silenced its critics, and it remains a potent symbol of, not just the city, but the nation. Beyond his architectural contributions, Gustave Eiffel was a pioneer in
aerodynamics and metallurgy, making significant advancements in the
fields of bridge design and structural engineering. Truly an impressive career.

We’ve been a bit light on Monnaie de Paris releases of late (they’re not the most helpful of mints…), but we’re huge admirers of their portfolio, and this new range, marking a century since Eiffel’s death at the ripe old age of 91, is a fine one, in our view. The reverse depicts a portrait of Eiffel himself, mapped out in polygons, as if framed with the steel girders of his most famous creation, and there’s a smattering of rivets to enhance the effect. It’s quite superb. A close-up view of the tower fills the background. The proof coins have a riveted RF in the small piece of negative space, while the two circulating silver coins have the date instead.

Those circulating pair of coins also have a standard French obverse, while the other five variants have a much more interesting design, again based around the tower, this time from an aerial perspective. Surrounding it are some of Eiffel’s other creations. To the left is the skeleton of the Statue of Liberty, to the right the LE (an aeroplane), above is the Garabit viaduct, and below is pictured the Maria Pia de Porto bridge. It’s a neat composition of his work, although the reverse side of this coin is the star for us.

There are three gold proof coins, with the traditional one-ounce, and quarter-ounce obvious choices, but the addition of the 0.5 gram minigold is a terrific touch. All are boxed with a COA. There are a pair of proof silver coins, with the two-ounce standing out for its incorporation of an NFC chip (the red dome on the picture above). When scanned by a phone, you can register your coin with a digital certificate, and get more information on Eiffel. An attractive idea in many ways, its appearance isn’t, however. The two circulating coins are struck in a lower quality silver, and have face values close to their selling price, and different packaging. All should be available to buy from Monday 27th November.