1½ Euro ("La Liberté")

The 1½ Euro coin was issued by the Monnaie de Paris in 2008 as part of a commemorative silver series focused on the theme of 'La Liberté' (Liberty). This denomination was specifically created as a non-circulating legal tender coin, intended primarily for collectors rather than daily commerce. The design reflects the French Republic's emphasis on numismatic artistry, marking a period where the Monnaie de Paris sought to celebrate national values through high-quality precious metal releases.

The design of the coin features a modern interpretation of the Semeuse, or Sower, an iconic figure in French numismatics originally designed by Oscar Roty. For this series, the imagery was reimagined to evoke the spirit of freedom, integrating classical motifs with the contemporary aesthetic favored by the Paris Mint’s design team at the time. Upon release, it was well-received by the French collector community, who appreciated the technical execution of the silver strike and its status as a tangible piece of commemorative history.