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Through the Space Odyssey collection, the Monnaie de Paris is initiating a dialogue between historical expertise and contemporary research into materials, drawing on OliKrom's expertise to give collectible coins a whole new dimension.

 

 

A collaboration in the service of contemporary creation

For more than eleven centuries, the Monnaie de Paris has embodied a rare combination of historical continuity, artisanal excellence, and innovative capacity. An iconic monetary institution and one of the oldest companies still in operation in the world, it has continually evolved to bring coinage into the modern era, creating a dialogue between heritage and contemporary technologies.

This dynamic is fully expressed in the “Space Odyssey” collection, designed in collaboration with astronaut Thomas Pesquet. Conceived as true narrative objects, these collector coins explore the adventure of space through symbolic design, innovative finishes and, for the first time, the integration of sensitive chromatic effects developed in collaboration with OliKrom.

A look back at the origins of this project, the expertise brought to bear, and the challenges that shaped this encounter between material, color, and narrative.

When innovation meets an exceptional institution

Why this collaboration ?

The collaboration between Monnaie de Paris and OliKrom was born out of a shared vision: that of demanding creativity, where the material is at the heart of the project.

As part of the “Space Odyssey” collection, the Monnaie de Paris wanted to explore new material and color effects that would enrich the narrative of the coins and enhance their immersive quality. To achieve this ambition, OliKrom was called upon for its unique expertise in smart pigments and research and development.

There were multiple challenges. The aim was to incorporate a visible innovation while complying with monetary standards, both in terms of aesthetics and technology. The color was not to be a mere decorative effect but a meaningful element, directly linked to the space theme and the desired experience.

This collaborative effort marks the starting point for a project in which science, design, and industrial expertise advance together, laying the foundations for a demanding and profoundly innovative collaboration.

 

How did the project take shape ?

With a strong artistic vision in mind, the teams embarked on an exploratory process to examine the various possibilities. OliKrom was brought on board early on to propose color schemes that would complement the coin designs while remaining compatible with coin manufacturing processes. This upstream approach allowed development to focus not on a standard solution, but on a formulation specifically designed for the project.

The research and testing phases then set the pace for the project's progress. Each stage was the subject of constant discussions with the technical teams at the Monnaie de Paris, to ensure that the innovation was seamlessly integrated into centuries-old expertise.

This dialogue between artistic intention and scientific response has given shape to a currency where innovation and tradition do not oppose each other, but reinforce each other.

Did you know ?

The Monnaie de Paris, a unique institution in the world...

Created in 864 by the Edict of Pîtres, the Monnaie de Paris's initial mission was to streamline the minting of the kingdom's currency and combat counterfeiting. Since then, it has never ceased its activity.

It has three main missions :

  • Industrial mission : The Monnaie de Paris is responsible for minting French national currency and also produces coins for many foreign countries.
  • Artistic and cultural mission : It designs and markets collectible coins, medals, decorations, and rare art objects, which are true miniature works of art.
  • Heritage mission : It preserves, promotes, and passes on historical heritage and exceptional craftsmanship.

There are two sites in France, each with a specific function :

Paris is home to the historical, cultural, and museum site dedicated to artistic creation and heritage promotion.
Pessac is where the industrial factory has been located since 1973, producing the coins used in everyday life.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THE PARIS MINT

Focus on the “Space Odyssey” collection

The “Space Odyssey” collection invites you on a journey beyond Earth, exploring the major themes of space adventure: exploration, science, innovation, and collective dreams.

Designed in collaboration with astronaut Thomas Pesquet, it stands out for :

  • A powerful narrative inspired by space missions
  • A contemporary and symbolic design
  • The integration of innovative technologies and finishes

Among the collection's iconic pieces, the “€10 Silver – The Moon” coin fully embodies this narrative and sensory ambition.

For the very first time in its collections, the Monnaie de Paris is introducing a phosphorescent design. After exposure to light, the Moon begins to glow in the dark, offering a unique experience and enhancing the immersive dimension of the coin. This innovation, developed in collaboration with OliKrom, transforms color into a true sensory language, making light an extension of the spatial narrative.

Discover the “Space Odyssey” collection on the Monnaie de Paris website

 

A laboratory at the heart of the project

Key stages in the role of the OliKrom laboratory :

The OliKrom laboratory played a central role in developing this collaboration. Acting as a bridge between science and creativity, it enabled the artistic vision to be translated into a viable technical solution.

The laboratory began by conducting a detailed analysis of the requirements : to incorporate a luminous effect that would enhance the narrative of the coin without compromising its legibility, durability, or integration into the coin production chain. Based on these specifications, the OliKrom teams sought to define a suitable matrix, a specific formulation compatible with the chosen deposition method.

This was followed by numerous phases of formulation, testing, and iteration. From the selection of pigments to the adjustment of formulations, everything was designed specifically for this project. Pad printing tests were conducted to validate the quality of the deposits on the medals and achieve the desired effect : a moon capable of glowing in the dark after exposure to light.

Discover our luminescent technologies

The chromatic principle incorporated into the coins is based on pigments that react to light, absorbing light energy and releasing it in the dark. This phenomenon, mastered and stabilized by the OliKrom laboratory, creates a subtle interaction between the object and its environment, transforming the coin into a living, evolving surface.

This collaboration was based on a specific R&D approach. The OliKrom teams worked on a bespoke basis, developing formulations adapted to the very specific constraints of coins: thinness of deposits, compatibility with minting and finishing processes, durability, safety of use, and industrial reproducibility.

Finally, we were able to integrate the validated solutions into the coin manufacturing process, in close collaboration with the craftsmen and technicians at the Monnaie de Paris.

(To learn more about these smart chromatic technologies, a dedicated article is available on our blog.)

Definition of requirements and specifications

Identify the desired visual and sensory effects for the “Space Odyssey” collection and determine the technical constraints related to the coin: fineness of deposits, compatibility with minting processes, durability, and safety of use.

Applications and objectives :

  • Translate the artistic intention into technical specifications.
  • Determine the type of pigments to be used.
  • Define the areas of deposit and the desired chromatic effects.

Formulation and development of pigments

Developing tailor-made formulations capable of meeting both industrial constraints and creative ambitions.

Applications and objectives :

  • Adjust the pigments to obtain the desired light intensity and phosphorescence duration.
  • Stabilize pigments to withstand time and handling
  • Designing matrices adapted to different deposition methods

Tests and industrial validation

Conduct tests on models and prototypes to validate the integration of pigments on parts and ensure their reproducibility on a large scale.

Applications and objectives :

  • Test the light output and accuracy of the deposit on surfaces
  • Check the pigment adhesion after stamping and finishing.
  • Adjust processes to ensure quality and reproducibility in each batch

Integration and final production

Integrate validated solutions into the coin manufacturing process, in close collaboration with the craftsmen and technicians at the Monnaie de Paris.

Applications and objectives :

  • Harmonizing science and design so that color becomes a narrative vehicle
  • Producing finished pieces where the phosphorescent and chromatic effect is fully expressed
  • Ensure strict quality control for each item in the collection.

A creative journey that is just beginning...

This collaboration with the Monnaie de Paris represents a major milestone for OliKrom. It fully illustrates our goal: to bring together materials science and creativity, and transform color into a true narrative and sensory language. Integrating innovative color technologies within such a demanding and iconic institution is both a recognition and a challenge that we have collectively risen to.

Through the “Space Odyssey” collection, OliKrom has been able to showcase its expertise in smart pigments in a unique context. Color is no longer just a decorative element: it has become a vehicle for emotion, understanding, and storytelling, serving space exploration and the scientific imagination of Thomas Pesquet.

This project also highlighted OliKrom's ability to integrate into complex and highly specialized manufacturing processes. Working hand in hand with the artisans, engineers, and teams at the Monnaie de Paris, the laboratory was able to adapt its formulations, test, adjust, and co-develop chromatic solutions compatible with centuries-old expertise. This collaboration opens up new perspectives for the creation of sensitive, interactive, and meaningful objects.

This collaboration with the Monnaie de Paris was above all a human and collective adventure, bringing together artisans, scientists, designers, and engineers around a common project.

It demonstrates that our heritage can be a breeding ground for innovation, and that the convergence of tradition and contemporary technologies opens up new creative possibilities.

For OliKrom, this project fully illustrates the possibilities offered by its technologies : enriching objects, telling stories, inspiring wonder, and creating unique sensory experiences.