There are so many coins/medals/commemoratives being issued around the world that have little or no meaning except to raise money to line the pockets of the issuing authority. But here's one that I totally agree with: " French Mint releases coins to raise Notre Dame reconstruction funds Three 2019 precious metal coins from the Monnaie de Paris will raise funds for reconstructing Paris' fire-damaged Notre Dame Cathedral." I'm not Catholic. I'm not French. But there are some things in this world that I think merit support.
Nice coins and cause! My eyes welled up when I watched Notre Dame burn, and not just because I am Catholic, but because of the history of the Cathedral and its importance as you suggest.
My comments might be edited for being too political, but as awesome as the Notre Dame is, I could think of PLENTY of more worthy causes all that raised money can go to. Imagine how much good we could do if we cared half as much about those around us as we do about a building. Just my two cents.
My eyes also welled up while watching ND burn. The difference now is the donation aspect of this fundraiser. Apparently many wealthy philanthropists donated close to a billion dollars amongst themselves for the reconstruction. A BILLION DOLLARS! How much more will reconstruction cost that they need to do more fundraising? Is this just capitalizing on a tragedy?
If I am not mistaken those coins were in the pipeline BEFORE the fire occurred. They were to raise funds for the roof reconstruction. And the money these coins raise will be just a drop in the bucket. If ALL of the coins are sold, which they probably will be, they will raise a whopping €225,000. Or about a quarter of a million dollars. Even our WORST selling $5 gold commem raised more than 3 times as much in surcharges
Big surcharges, small mintage, total a tiny amount of money. Won't even cover the bill for port-a-potties during the 10-20 years of reconstruction.
I also am not Roman Catholic nor French. But donated $20 the day it burned. Yes, a drop in the bucket. But my wife and I will never forget our visit to Notre Dame. And yes, there are many (tens of thousands) of other needs out there. We donate to a couple of dozen every year. And our donations might be a drop in the bucket for the needs in our world, but we still do it. You know, better to light one candle than curse the darkness... Steve
I don't see why it would be edited; for one thing, I see nothing political about your comment. However, it does remind me of the thread I reviewed this morning re: Nazi silver coinage, & @myownprivy's apparent belief in "degrees of badness". Yes, there are many "worthy" causes, but as citizens of a free society (at least to this point), we are, after all, free to give to one or more causes, without regard to whether one is more important than another. The belief that monies given to one cause should be "diverted" (this is how I interpreted your comment) to some more worthy cause is ludicrous. Support of one does not exclude the other. For example, I donate to many causes in amounts that I deem appropriate for me, but I don't consider my donations to the NRA when I donate to St. Judes. They are 2 completely different things. You make it sound like instead of donating to my coin collection (which I believe is a worthy cause), I should divert those funds to something more worthy!...? Just sayin'! My Back Pages - written by Bob Dylan, but best performed by The Byrds!!
I am not French, but Catholic. Thanks for this. Its one of the greatest works of architecture in history. But, I heard there was already over a billion contributed towards its rebuilding. Ah, profiteering on tragedy.
I do apologize.......the post hit me the wrong way, religion and all. I know we're all supposed to be 'above' this, but I'm a mere mortal and a sinner...........
A couple of years ago, Palau had issued this coin (as part of their "Sacred Art" series) featuring a miniature stained glass center. This reminds me of all the coins in their "Tiffany Art" series which I admire but can't afford.