The Franco-Japanese Treaty silver coins from France

The French Mint celebrates the 150th Anniversary of the Franco-Japanese Treaty in 2008 by issuing a series of 1.5 euro silver proof coins illustrating various aspects of the rich Franco-Japanese relations. The Franco-Japanese "Treaty of peace, friendship and commerce" was signed in October 1858. The two countries are still very involved in trade and cultural exchange initiatives.

The first three coins, issued earlier this year, all show artistic objects in existence at the time of the treaty:

1. Liberty Guiding the People (La Liberté guidant le people), one of Delacroix famous paintings
2. A portrait of Ichikawa Ebizo IV, a stage name taken on by a series of Kabuki actors of the Ichikawa family
3. A Japanese Kanei Tsuho coin

The reverse is common to the entire series, and represents the official logo of this anniversary, a combination of the Eiffel Tower and a kimono.

The French Mint just issued a fourth coin in this series. Its obverse shows the most popular monuments of Paris (the Eiffel Tower) and Tokyo (the Sensoji Temple, the oldest temple in Tokyo).

Mint: Paris

Year: 2008

Face value: 1.5 Euro

Finish: Proof

Composition: 90% silver

Size: 37 mm

Weight: 22.2 grams

Mintage: 5,000 (the first 3 coins), 50,000 (the latest coin)