France – 2 Euro, LITTLE PRINCE, 2026 (proof)

First published in France in 1946, Antoine de Saint-Exupery's The Little Prince is much more than a children's story: it is a universal work that spans generations, celebrating poetry, friendship and wonder at the world. Translated into 627 languages and dialects, this timeless story has become one of the most widely read and translated booksin the world. Written and illustrated by Antoine de Saint Exupery, The Little Prince was first published in 1943 in New York in English and French, before being released in France in 1946 by Gallimard, where it became a bestseller, selling over 15 million copies. To mark the 80th anniversary of the publication of this iconic work in France, the Monnaie de Paris is paying tribute to the little traveler from the stars with a collection celebrating adventure. The meeting between numismatics and SaintExupery's poetry takes place for the first time on a commemorative 2 euro coin, which establishes The Little Prince as an essential work of French literature. The obverse of this coin features the logo of the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the release of The Little Prince in France. It shows the Little Prince deep in thought. Behind him, the number “80” can be seen, referring to the anniversary. Above him is the inscription “Le Petit Prince” (The Little Prince) as well as the letters “RF” for Republique Francaise (French Republic) and two hallmarks. Below the Little Prince is the inscription “2026”, indicating the year of issue.