The Olympic Games medals featuring a representation of the Eiffel Tower taking off have been meticulously crafted. These unique collector’s items are currently being distributed, a process that seems to particularly annoy teachers.
Distribution of coins and educational kits
All students, from CP to CM2, will have the privilege of receiving a coin struck by the Monnaie de Paris, accompanied by an educational set on the Olympic Games (OG). This operation, with a total cost of 16 million euros for the National Education, has sparked mixed reactions within teachers’ unions. Indeed, this initiative comes at a time when the government is implementing significant budget savings measures, reaching 10 billion euros.
On social media, many internet users have expressed their skepticism towards this operation. Some have ironically calculated how many teaching positions could be created with these 16 million euros, while others sarcastically congratulated the Minister of Economy, Bruno Le Maire, for managing to find these savings.
A first in coin distribution
It is important to note that the distribution of commemorative coins directly in schools is a unique practice. Indeed, cash is generally prohibited in educational institutions. This initiative therefore marks a turning point in the history of coin distribution in France.
Commemorative coins, treasures for collectors
For many years, commemorative coins have multiplied in Europe, commemorating special events or important personalities. These coins, often rare, can reach considerable values, as is the case with the two-euro coins issued in 2007 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Princess Grace Kelly’s death. Today, these coins can be worth over 3,000 euros in the collectors’ market.
This distribution of commemorative coins will therefore have a dual effect: sensitizing students to international sports events and arousing an interest in numismatics. It is to be expected that children, and perhaps even the candy sellers around the schools, will appreciate the pedagogical value of this operation.
Information source: francetvinfo.fr
