The American Numismatic Association’s (ANA) World’s Fair of Money is a prestigious event that numismatists from around the globe eagerly anticipate each year. This event celebrates the art, history, and innovation of coin collecting and is one of the most significant gatherings for collectors, dealers, and enthusiasts.

A fair highlight is the annual Most Innovative Coin award, which recognises coins that push the boundaries of design, technology, and artistry. This year’s winner was the Pierre Hermé €200 Macaron gold coin from France. This coin is a remarkable fusion of culinary artistry and numismatic craftsmanship.

Rael Demby says, “We are proud to have an established and exclusive relationship with the ANA because they have an unrivalled excellent reputation and are dedicated to fostering the love of coin collecting.”

This gold coin, shaped like a macaron, is the result of a truly unique collaboration between the Monnaie de Paris, known for its avant-garde designs and commitment to craftsmanship, and Pierre Hermé, a celebrated French pastry chef. This collaboration, which brought together the worlds of numismatics and culinary art, is a testament to the innovative and boundary-pushing nature of the coin. Hermé, often referred to as the “Picasso of Pastry,” is famous for his inventive and elegant macaron creations, and this coin perfectly captures the delicate beauty of his work.

The coin itself is a triumph of numismatic art. Crafted from 99.9% pure gold, it is meticulously designed to resemble a real macaron, with textured surfaces that mimic the cookie's signature smooth and ruffled edges. This attention to detail and high-quality materials make this limited-edition coin an actual work of art, paying tribute to French culinary heritage and the innovative spirit of modern minting.

The Monnaie de Paris has long been synonymous with high-quality craftsmanship and innovative design. As France’s national mint, it produces all circulating French coins and a range of collector and commemorative pieces. The mint combines traditional techniques with modern technology, ensuring each piece is a work of art. Over the years, the Monnaie de Paris has developed a reputation for pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved in coin design, and the macaron coin is a perfect example of this ethos.

“ We have an exclusive relationship with the Monnaie de Paris. Their talented team of designers, engineers, and master craftspeople consistently create extraordinary coins, collectables and modern numismatics. We are delighted to have this award-winning coin in our catalogue - available to South African collectors, on request,” added Demby.

As collectors and enthusiasts look forward to future innovations, the legacy of coins like these will undoubtedly inspire new generations to appreciate the art and history encapsulated in each piece of minted metal.