Like many other mints, Monnaie de Paris (the Paris Mint) issues coins in precious metals, having much higher intrinsic value than their face value. The five ounces (5 oz) of gold coins are denominated as 500€ (Five Hundred Euro), and as such are only legal tender in France and not in the whole Eurozone - only the regular circulating coins from 1 Euro Cent to 2 Euro are legal tender in all member countries, while all other denominations are legal tender in the issuing country only.
Some of these coins are issued around the theme of the Chinese Lunar Calendar - a zodiac with a twelve-year cycle in which every year is associated with one of twelve different animals.
These coins are not intended for circulation, and are classified as "Non-Circulating Legal Tender" and not bullion, since they are issued at prices much higher than their intrinsic value. They are targeted at investors or collectors who appreciate the special editions as pieces of art. | 
