NGC Mona Lisa Label Celebrates the Link between Numismatics and Art

Numismatic Guaranty Corporation® (NGC®) is pleased to announce a new certification label that pays tribute to the endlessly alluring Mona Lisa. This label is the ideal presentation for Mona Lisa coins, minted recently in France and produced in other decades by countries around the world. For any coin, the NGC Mona Lisa Special Label celebrates the link between numismatics and art.

The Mona Lisa, painted by Leonardo da Vinci at the height of the Renaissance, has reached a level of universal fame known by few, if any, other works of art. Each year, she draws more than 8 million people to the Louvre in Paris, simply for a glimpse of her enigmatic smile or to study da Vinci’s groundbreaking technique. Her allure — as a cultural touchstone and unsolvable puzzle — is enduring and undeniable.

A France 2019 Silver 20 € graded NGC PF 70 Ultra Cameo with the NGC Mona Lisa Special Label Click images to enlarge.

Numismatics was born in the Renaissance as well, when 16th century scholars began collecting and studying the material artifacts of classical civilizations, including their currency. While the faces on coins were the primary source of fascination for early numismatists, the images on the reverse of animals, symbols and deities also provided insight into past eras and different ways of life.

Thus, the NGC Mona Lisa Special Label can enhance a broad array of coins, especially those featuring an image of the painting. Most recently, the Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint) introduced silver and gold Mona Lisa coins in December 2019 that commemorate the 500^th anniversary of Leonardo da Vinci’s death in 1519.

The France 2019 Mona Lisa coin in gold is offered in 50 €, 200 € and 500 € denominations. Click image to enlarge.

The coins include a 20 € silver coin, a 50 € 1/4-ounce gold coin, a 200 € 1-ounce gold coin and a 500 € 5-ounce gold coin, all struck in impressive high relief to highlight the detailed engraving of Mona Lisa’s portrait. Part of the painting’s frame appears in the background with the name of the work and the artist. CHEFS D’ŒUVRE DES MUSÉE (Museum Masterpieces) refers to the Paris Mint series that these coins are part of, which pays tribute to the masterpieces of French museums.

The Mona Lisa is no stranger to world coinage and has appeared on many coins from different countries over the years. For example, there is a Congo 2006 10 Francs Mona Lisa coin, a series of Yemen AH1395/1975 gold and silver Mona Lisa coins and a series of Sharjah AH1389/1970 gold and silver Mona Lisa coins.

The NGC Mona Lisa Special Label is available to NGC Collectors Society members and Authorized Dealers for submissions of all common date French coins (1955-date) and all Mona Lisa coins for an additional $5 (USD) fee. The Special Label fee is waived for bulk submissions.

NGC Collectors Society paid members can submit their coins directly to NGC. Not an NGC Collectors Society member? Paid memberships start at just $25 (USD)/year. Join today >

Questions? Contact NGC Customer Service at service@NGCcoin.com or 1-800-NGC-COIN (1-800-642-2646).

Note: The NGC Mona Lisa Special Label is not available for the NGC Oversize Holder.

To see other NGC Special Labels, click here.