Ville de Nuit – Paris

Few roundabouts are as famous as the one at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. It is considered one of the most chaotic and unusual traffic junctions in the world. Although it has a diameter of 240 meters, there are no lane markings, so cars move freely, or rather chaotically, within the space. Surprisingly, however, there are few accidents, even though cars from twelve major avenues converge there in a star-shaped pattern, including the famous Champs-Élysées. This vibrant scene is particularly impressive at night. And it is precisely this pulsating magic of the Parisian night that the coin captures. A snapshot from a bird's-eye view. A symbiosis of architecture, streets, and nocturnal splendor.

Like flashes of fire, the streets converge at the central point – the Arc de Triomphe – while the buildings are depicted in highly detailed and realistic side views. The illuminated streets crisscross the coin like lifelines, reflecting the vibrant nightlife of Paris.

The accentuated depictions of the buildings form a dramatic contrast to the luminous, golden streets. This is only feasible thanks to the possibilities of smartmiting® technology, which combines a black proof finish with partial gilding and a coloring. This interplay of light and darkness creates the illusion of illuminating the city itself. Each of the twelve avenues is individually labeled, and the coin's edge features the names of all 20 arrondissements of Paris in microminting.

The 3 oz silver coin is limited to only 500 pieces worldwide.