As debates continue about the future of money, one institution consistently aware of and exploring the crossroads of cash, digital currency, and economic sovereignty is Monnaie de Paris. At the recent World Money Fair in Berlin, Coin & Mint News™ spoke to its CEO, Marc Schwartz, about the role of cash in an increasingly digital world, the Mint’s continuing success, and the launch of several new programmes in 2026.

The Royal Dutch Mint (RDM) has secured a new multi-year contract with the Central Bank of Ireland to mint all Irish collector coins and, from May 2026, €2 commemorative coins celebrating Irish culture and heritage. This agreement represents a significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration between RDM and several European central banks.

During the year that the Royal Australian Mint (RAM) celebrated its 60th anniversary, it issued over 131 million circulating coins with a face-value of A$75.37 million, nearly three times the 47.7 million coins issued the previous year.

In an era when physical cash is increasingly challenged by digital payments and the demand for circulating coins is shrinking in many countries, mints around the world are being compelled to rethink their business models. The decline in the traditional coinage business has resulted in many mints diversifying and finding new sources of revenue and roles beyond sheer volume production of circulating coins.

The RCM has recently reported that it remains on track to achieve the goal of a carbon-neutral Circulation Business – including the Winnipeg facility – by 2030, with its Decarbonization Roadmap in place to improve the way that the Mint operates both of its facilities. Work is underway to achieve a carbon net-zero operation by 2050.

Monnaie de Paris has announced that its Board of Directors has unanimously approved the launch of a new bullion project, with the metal-investment offer providing both French and international collectors with the ability to acquire coins sold for their weight in fine gold.

The Royal Mint has made an equity investment in Canadian cleantech company Excir, its partner for precious metals recovery.

Last year was an eventful year for the Monnaie de Paris. Coin & Mint News™ spoke to the CEO of Monnaie de Paris, Marc Schwartz, at the recent World Money Fair in Berlin to discuss the Mint’s busy but successful year and its plans for 2025.

According to the US Mint’s Annual Report for 2024, the production and associated costs for circulating coinage continues to rise year-on-year. Much of the increased production costs this year have been attributed to the cost of metal acquisition, although this is far from the first time that penny and nickel costs exceed their face value.

The Royal Australian Mint typically mints the first coin of the year, due to its geographical position as one of the first countries to enter the new year and the event that it holds every 1 January. This year’s theme for the RAM’s Mintmark programme celebrates the Mint and its workers, coins, architecture, and coins.