With the wonderful news that Notre Dame cathedral is almost fully restored back to its former glory, it’s fortuitous timing that sees this gorgeous new release from Allcollect appear on the market. An iconic sight on the Parisian skyline, Notre Dame is a masterpiece of medieval architecture, and no stranger to the numismatic world, but coins of this size are rare indeed.

Struck in a kilo of fine silver, this P. DeGreef designed coin is a fitting encapsulation of the cathedrals architecture and history. The reverse face depicts the upper parts of the structure from the rear, including the spire, which collapsed in the 2019 fire, and the roof, which was similarly destroyed by fire. Antique finished, it’s liberally adorned with a simplified colour rendition of the Rose Window, and gilding to the roof and spire. Stunning details and depth put this amongst the very best of the coin world’s homages to Notre Dame.

The obverse is a terrific composition, featuring one of the many gargoyles in the foreground, and a view of Île de la Cité, one of the two islands in the centre of Paris, in the centre of the River Seine, in fact, upon which the cathedral is built. Again, Notre Dame is gilded, and the river coloured, with the antique finish doing the heavy lifting everywhere else.

A stunning coin, up there with Art Mint’s beautiful rendition of the Rose Window as part of its Mandala Art range, we can see the 99 examples being snapped up in short order. Packaging is neat, if a little gaudy, and it comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. Available to order now.