Smart things
How Monnaie de Paris pioneered the first connected coin
In an unprecedented blend of tradition and innovation, Monnaie de Paris, the world's oldest continuously running minting institution, partnered with ST to create a new numismatic category, the world’s first connected coin. This coin, a celebration of the heritage of Gustave Eiffel, is equipped with Near Field Communications (NFC) short-range wireless technology, propelling the art of coin collecting into the digital age for the very first time. If the connected coin concept seemed straightforward at first, bringing it to fruition posed a formidable technical challenge —metal and electromagnetic fields are like oil and water. It was this very obstacle that led Monnaie de Paris to collaborate with ST experts.
Challenge
- Create a new numismatic category —the world’s first connected coin
- Bridge tradition and digital experiences
- Enable seamless connectivity on metal
Solution
- Integrate the ST25 NFC tag to deliver flawless connectivity performance
- Leverage the blockchain using the ST25 NFC tag
Impact
- Brand experience —Connected coins have significantly boosted customer engagement
- Brand protection —Blockchain-based digital certificates of authenticity
The goal —Bridging tradition and digital experiences
Monnaie de Paris has long been synonymous with the meticulous craft of coin minting, but in a bold move that reflects the visionary spirit of Gustave Eiffel himself, the institution has embraced the future with the integration of an ST25 NFC tag. This tiny yet powerful but batteryless device embedded in the coin provides the means to securely digitize the coin.
The ST25 NFC tag serves as a bridge between the tangible value of the coin and the intangible world of data and connectivity. With a simple tap, coin owners can access a wealth of information and services, including a digital certificate of authenticity, detailed coin specifications, and exclusive content about the life and works of Gustave Eiffel. The reaction from both coin collectors and the general public has been very positive.
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With this connected coin, we show that the oldest French institution is capable of reinventing itself and projecting itself into the future, using the most modern NFC technology.
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Marc Schwartz, CEO, Monnaie de Paris.
Who said connectivity on metal wasn’t possible?
Monnaie de Paris has, for over a millennium, honed its legacy using precious materials, including silver —a metal that is central to its heritage. Although committed to preserving tradition, the challenge of metal's well-known interference with connectivity was significant. This is where the expertise of ST came into play. ST experts had to ensure that the ST25 NFC tag (a tiny 12 mm chip) delivered flawless performance in scenarios where the customer experience is everything. Their expertise in research and development was central for the connected coin’s success. Through a meticulous process, ST experts identified the exact parameters for size, frequency and testing settings, ensuring that the ST25 NFC tag not only fulfilled but exceeded expectations in a metal environment.
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Hardware aside, the help of the ST experts made this connected coin possible by offering unparalleled technical knowledge, and rigorous testing.
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Pascal Rencker, Head of Innovation and R&D, Monnaie de Paris.
The result —A brand experience like no other
For Monnaie de Paris, integrating the ST25 NFC tag into their coins has significantly boosted customer engagement. Collectors are now part of an interactive experience, where each coin is not just an object of value but a portal to a richer narrative. What made the ST25 NFC tag stand out? Its pivotal role in brand protection. The digital certificate of ownership is generated by a specific software after reading the tag. Backed by blockchain technology, it provides a tamper-proof record, guaranteeing the coin's authenticity and provenance. These are indispensable qualities for collectors worldwide.
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The capacity of the ST25 NFC tag to grant us access to the blockchain via our own software has been essential in our quest for enhanced brand protection.
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Pascal Rencker, Head of Innovation and R&D, Monnaie de Paris.
How ST simplifies product digitization for brands
Ever heard of the ST25Connect program? Because integrating an NFC tag into any product involves not just a partnership with a chip maker, ST gives premium access to a range of partners, including integrators, reader makers, shield carriers, custom-made antenna providers, and lab testing services. This collaborative ecosystem has allowed for rapid development and optimization of the product, ensuring that the connected coin could meet and exceed the high standards set by Monnaie de Paris.
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With the ST25Connect program, we have been able to create the world’s first connected coin in less than 24 months, all tests included.
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Pascal Rencker, Head of Innovation and R&D, Monnaie de Paris.
