The FIFA Women’s World Cup has its rising popularity showcased on a new multi-coin Euro range

With the FIFA Womens World Cup currently underway in France, and the Monnaie de Paris having a good history of issuing sporting coins, it comes as no surprise to see them issue a range to mark the tournament. Not a single coin, the’ve gone for four different designs across both of the usual precious metals, and they’ve also made a base-metal variant available for the casual collector.

Action seems to be the name of the game, with goalkeeping, dribbling, volleying and trick shots all represented with their own designs. A tight visual style runs through the designs – these are clearly a set in concept and execution. They’re a trifle busy looking, but basically an appealing set – quite dynamic and very representative of such an action packed sport.

Monnaie de Paris collectors will be instantly familiar with the formats on offer. A 22.2g 0.900 silver version of each design will be the biggest seller, of course, but gold nuts are well catered for as well. Three of the designs are available as ¼oz coins (excepting the goalkeeper), with the Volley design also showing up as a one-ouncer, and the Goalkeeper as a very expensive five-ounce offering. Available now.

Taking place in France between 7 June and 7 July 2019, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), is holding the eighth edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup. A tournament held every four years, this is the third time it has taken place in Europe, although the first in France. Nine cities will host games with the final taking place in Lyon. The group stages are underway as we write , with only a few teams already confirmed for the knockout rounds.

Womens football has been rising in popularity for some time now, especially in the USA because of the national teams victory in the last tournament in 2015. This has gone hand in hand with rising competitiveness in the game, although the USA’s beating of Thailand 13-0 does indicate that there is still a way to go in some areas. It’s great to see the womens game start to make serious inroads. Predictions? With three 2020 Olympic places up for grabs amongst the eight European teams, we’d expect some extra effort there. The US remain favourites, although France, and particularly a much improved England, are very much in the running, as well as Japan and Brazil. The tournament is being televised worldwide, so give it a chance. You might be pleasantly surprised.

MINTS DESCRIPTION

COMMON OBVERSE: On the reverse, the trophy stands on the left hand side. On the right, the flags of the winning countries and their title years. In the background is the graphic chart of the competition. The flags are coloured on the 10€ silver version.

TRICK PLAY: represents a player making a pigeon wing. She goes through an hexagon to symbolise the hosting of the competition in France. In the background is the graphic chart of the competition.

GOALKEEPER: represents a goal-keeper in full extension to make a save. She goes through an hexagon to symbolise the hosting of the competition in France. In the background is the graphic chart of the competition.

VOLLEY: represents a player controlling the ball forward. She goes through an hexagon to symbolise the hosting of the competition in France. In the background is the graphic chart of the competition.

DRIBBLING: represents a player controlling the ball. She goes through an hexagon to symbolise the hosting of the competition in France. In the background is the graphic chart of the competition.

NOTE: The three gold ¼oz set pictured below doesn’t seem to be available from the mint, but looks to be something distributor MDM has produced.