2 euro coins, distributed in schools, are controversial

On these Olympic Games commemorative coins, an Eiffel Tower taking flight is engraved. This collector’s item is currently being distributed and is causing annoyance among teachers, in particular.

All students, from CP to CM2, will receive a coin, minted by the Paris Mint, accompanied by an educational kit on the Olympic Games (OG). In total, the operation would have cost National Education 16 million euros. Difficult to digest for the teaching unions – and not only – at a time when the government is announcing 10 billion in budget savings. On social networks, Internet users have gone to great lengths to give the government its due, some wondering how much 16 million euros would mean for more teachers, others not hesitating not to ironically congratulate the Minister of the Economy, Bruno Le Maire, for having already found 16 million euros in savings.

In memory of the commemorative coin, this is the first time that a distribution of change has taken place in schools, cash being in fact prohibited in schools.

A 3,000 euro Grace Kelly commemorative coin

Throughout history, coins have been issued in Europe for special occasions, for example to mark the coronation of monarchs, who would scatter them like loose change from their royal chariots to attract public applause. The custom of throwing money to the people during ceremonies dates back to antiquity.

If since the 1960s, commemorative coins have multiplied, some remain rare and are worth gold, such as these two euro coins issued in 2007 for the 25th anniversary of the death of Princess Grace Kelly which can today bring in more of 3,000 euros. Until now, these commemorative coins were mainly the delight of numismatists. From now on, if they fail to amuse the teachers, they will delight the children, or rather that of the candy sellers at the school gates, who will no doubt appreciate their educational value.