Four versions of the new Marianne coins will go on sale on 16 June, ranging from one-tenth of an ounce (3.1 grams) up to a full ounce (31.1 grams). One face will carry the symbolic Marianne, who represents the French republic, while the reverse will display a map of the nation’s territories.

According to the mint’s chief, Marc Schwartz, the aim is to “democratise the gold market in France”, a move prompted by rising investor demand as prices have climbed steeply in recent years. Most investors who want exposure to gold, widely regarded as a safe haven, currently opt for funds that track the metal or buy shares in mining firms.

The coins the Mint issues at present are commemorative or collector pieces made from lower-purity alloys.

The new Mariannes, by contrast, will sell at market price, currently around £3,400 an ounce after a surge of more than 65% last year. They will compete internationally with the UK’s Britannia coins, South African Krugerrands, Canadian Maple Leafs and American Gold Eagles.

The Mint, based on the Seine since 1775, did not say how many coins it expects to sell.