Communiqué de presse de la Monnaie de Paris
70 years ago, in 1955, the automotive world witnessed a revolution with the arrival of the Citroën DS. Presented at the Paris Motor Show, the DS was not simply a new car, but a radical brake from anything seen before. With its avant-garde design and technological innovations, it redefined the automotive industry standards and public perception.
What made the Citroën DS such an innovative car was first and foremost its bold, futuristic silhouette, with its slender lines and meticulous aerodynamics, imagined by the famous Italian designer Flaminio Bertoni. It broke off with the square, angular shapes of post-war cars, embodying a fluid elegance that remains a model of inspiration to this day.
But beyond its innovative aesthetics, the DS impressed with its cutting-edge technology. Among these innovations was the hydropneumatic suspension, which allowed the vehicle to “float” on the road, absorbing the unevenness of the terrain with smoothness. This suspension, combined with power steering and hydraulically controlled braking, offered a driving experience that was both comfortable and safe. The second major innovation was the directional headlamps that followed the curves. All features that made it a true pioneer of the modern automobile. It combined beauty, technology and ergonomics.
This car, which became an icon of the 1950s and 1960s, left its mark on history and remains a benchmark of innovation to this day. From its official use by French presidents to its appearance in numerous films, the Citroën DS has acquired legendary status.
To celebrate its 70th anniversary, the Monnaie de Paris has designed a collection of coins in its honor. The series highlights the bold aesthetics and technical excellence of the DS, underlining its major impact on the evolution of the automobile.
We will also be present at the Rétromobile 2025 show, headlined by the 1959 DS Ballon, which was first presented to the general public at the Paris Motor Show in 1955.
Description
On the obverse of the coin are two emblematic DS models. In the top part of the design is the last Citroën, the Citroën DS 23, commercialised from 1975, with its distinctive, avant-garde front end. The pivoting headlights, a first in the automotive history, are hightlighted by colorisation. They appear to be following the movement of the road, lighting up the night. The model presented in the bottom part of the design is the first Citroën, the Citroën DS 19, produced from 1955. This model is distinguished by its front headlights under a streamlined window and its more modern radiator grille. These two versions symbolise the stylistic evolutions of the DS.
The reverse of the €10 coin shows the face value surrounded by two branches, one of oak, the other of laurel, evoking the Euro symbol. The entire reverse design is framed by ‘République Française’ and a series of lines representing the Hexagon.
his €10 silver coin was produced in a run of 5,000. Don’t hesitate to buy it on the Monnaie de paris website.
