The Future of Money

What does money mean in 2026? From ancient coinage to digital currencies, from central banks to blockchain networks, the very nature of money – who issues it, controls it, and trusts it – is undergoing a profound transformation.

To mark the 250th anniversary of American independence, the Embassy of France and Monnaie de Paris invite you to an afternoon of conversations exploring the evolution of money: from the birth of modern republics to the digital revolution.

PANEL 1 - 4:00 PM: Numismatics, icon of 250 years of Franco-American friendship

As we look toward the future, we begin by revisiting the past. Coins have always been more than instruments of exchange: they are symbols of power, diplomacy, memory, and national identity. As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, this opening panel explores the Franco-American story through numismatics, from the Revolutionary War to the present day.

Featuring:

Jeff Garrett - Founder, Mid-American Rare Coin Galleries, one of America's foremost coin experts
Joaquin Jimenez - General Engraver, Monnaie de Paris
Joël Le Bon - Professor of Marketing, Johns Hopkins University
Thomas D. Uram - Former President of the American Numismatic Association and former Chairman of the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC)
Julien Sabouret - Collection Manager, Monnaie de Paris

Break & Exhibition - 5:00 PM

Explore a curated display of rare historical medals and coins, including pieces brought from Monnaie de Paris, and attend the official unveiling of the Washington–Lafayette commemorative coins marking America’s 250th anniversary.

PANEL 2 - 5:30 PM : The Future of Money

Building on the historical perspective of the first panel, we turn to the questions shaping money’s next frontier. From central banks to decentralized networks, the rules governing money are being rewritten, and the geopolitical, economic, and technological stakes have never been higher.

This panel brings together leading voices from public institutions, academia, and the private sector to discuss the future of currency, trust, and financial sovereignty in the digital age.

Featuring:

Paul Hollis - Director, United States Mint
Faryar Shirzad - Chief Policy Officer, Coinbase; former economic advisor to President George W. Bush
Marc Schwartz - Chairman & CEO, Monnaie de Paris

Both panels will be moderated by Steve Clemons, Editor at Large at The National Interest.

The organizers

-This symposium is part of the Embassy of France's America 250 programming, celebrating 250 years of the Franco-American alliance.

-Monnaie de Paris is the world's oldest operating monetary institution, combining industrial expertise, artistic heritage, and cultural programming to produce coins for France and medals for the world.

-La Maison Française at the Embassy of France offers an exceptional environment fostering rich bilateral relations between the U.S. and France with a wide program of musical and cultural events, as well as educational and professional exchanges.

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

- The doors will open at 3.30PM. Please allow extra time for security check-in.

- You will need a valid photo ID and your Eventbrite ticket (printed or ready on your phone). Please remember that for security purposes the name on the ticket must match the name on the ID. If you have not entered the names of your plus ones, you can still edit your ticket directly on Eventbrite on your computer.

- There will be no on-site parking. Limited street parking available on Reservoir Road. We encourage you to use taxi, ridesharing or public transportation.

- Please be advised that for security reasons, Embassy staff and security services cannot allow large bags, umbrellas or backpacks, or bike helmets to be brought onto Embassy grounds. The security team reserves itself the right to confiscate any items not appropriate.

This event is made possible through the generous support of our America 250 Gold sponsors, to whom we extend our sincere appreciation: Accenture, Airbus, Ardian, Biogen, Circle, Estée Lauder and BNY.

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