Description

In 2023, the Monnaie de Paris partnered with renowned French pastry chef Pierre Hermé to celebrate artistic craftsmanship. Both members of the Colbert Committee, these institutions combined their expertise to unveil an exclusive collection of coin designs shaped like macarons, the iconic pastry of Maison Pierre Hermé. This prestigious collaboration integrates mastery of craftsmanship, pursuit of excellence, and the boundless creativity of Pierre Hermé and Joaquin Jimenez, while reflecting the aesthetic principles cherished by both establishments.

Pierre Hermé, often hailed as "the Picasso of Pastry," embarked on his culinary journey at 14 under the mentorship of Gaston Lenôtre. He established Maison Pierre Hermé Paris in 1998 with Charles Znaty, opening his first boutique in Tokyo, followed by Paris. Hermé's innovative approach to pastries, macarons, and chocolates quickly gained global acclaim, with further expansions across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Recognized as a Chevalier of Arts and Letters and decorated with the Legion of Honour, Hermé continues to push culinary boundaries, launching an online class, "Iconic Pastries," on PastryClass in October 2023.

Designer: Joaquin Jimenez

Obverse

Depicts the initials of Pierre Hermé and the seal of the French Republic (République Française) intertwined.

A macaron is a delicate meringue-based confection crafted from egg whites, icing sugar, granulated sugar, almond meal, and often tinted with food coloring. Since the 19th century, the quintessential Parisian-style macaron has been recognized as a sandwich cookie filled with ganache, buttercream, or jam, featuring a smooth, flat top, a distinctive "crown" or "foot" around the edges, and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. These delectable treats come in a wide array of flavors ranging from classic sweet varieties like raspberry and chocolate to savory options like foie gras. Originating from early almond-based cakes and influenced by historical exchanges between Arab, Sicilian, and Spanish cultures, the modern macaron gained popularity in France during the 1930s when it evolved into the familiar sandwich form with various fillings.

RF

Reverse

Depicts a salt crystal.

20 EURO
2023

Edge

20 Euro

French Excellence
Pierre Hermé - Macaron

Subscribe series
KM# 3142
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.999
Weight 31.1 g
Diameter 39 mm
Thickness 22 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Paris Mint (A)

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