The reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on 8 December 2024 will be a momentous occasion, marking its return to public worship and cultural prominence five years after a devastating fire. The event follows an extensive restoration effort involving over 2,000 craftspeople and nearly €700 million in funding from global donations.
The Monnaie de Paris ( The French Mint) has released a unique collection of coins celebrating the cathedral’s history and architecture to commemorate this occasion. The collection features designs highlighting key elements of Notre Dame, including its famous rose window and the newly restored spire. These coins have been crafted with precision to honour the legacy of the landmark and are expected to be popular among collectors and history enthusiasts alike.
Rael Demby, CEO of the South African Gold Coin Exchange & The Scoin Shop, praised the initiative, stating:
“The Notre Dame commemorative coins are not just collectables but symbols of resilience and cultural pride. For collectors, they offer a tangible connection to this historic moment.”
The restoration of Notre Dame has been a painstaking process involving modern engineering techniques combined with traditional craftsmanship to ensure the building retains its historical authenticity. The reopening comes just in time for Christmas, with events and services planned to welcome visitors and worshippers back to the historic site.
The grand re-opening weekend (7–8 December) will feature a special mass officiated by the Archbishop of Paris, Monsignor Laurent Ulrich, along with concerts and other liturgical events. French President Emmanuel Macron will host world leaders, including US President-elect Donald Trump, who confirmed his attendance, praising the restoration work as “remarkable” and “historic.” Macron called the restoration a “shock of hope,” celebrating the achievement of an ambitious five-year timeline.
