Au so chic: Paris Mint to issue first solid-gold coins in a century

The Paris Mint said that it would soon start selling solid-gold coins for investment, the first since it quit making Napoleons and Louis a century ago. Four versions of the new Marianne coins will go on sale 16 June, ranging from one-tenth of an ounce (3.1 grams) to a full ounce (31.1 grams). One side will feature the symbolic Marianne face representing the French republic, while the other will show a map of the nation's territories, the Mint said. They will compete on the global market with South African Krugerrands, Canadian Maple Leafs or American Gold Eagles. The goal is...