^, ^%^. >.v^. IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 5< A 1.0 I.I >^ 1^ ill 2.2 1^ 2.0 1.8 1.25 ||.4 ||.6 4 6" ^ ► 7]
e, togetiier
with moose skins were made a legal tender and passed cur-
«^
rent in lieu of coin. The Dutch of New Amsterdam, to the
South, kept their accounts and even reckoned in beaver
skins. This kind of change was very inconvenient on ac-
count of its bulk and fluctuation in value. Then again
the stock on hand* had to be shipped before the close of
navigation. One year, too, when the Iroquois had overrun
the country and almost exterminated the Hurons, the annual
supply was wanting and the beaver currency had to be dis-
carded. The council, in 1669, declared wheat to be a legal
tender at four livres the minot; but, on account of its bulk
and the necessity of using it for food, it did not long continue
to be accepted as a currency. A shipment of money was
occasionally made to the colony by the King, and this, to-
gether with what was brought over for their own use by
traders and immigrants, had it remained in the country might,
under careful management, have proved sufficient for the
limited wants of the community. But through the improvi-
dence and extravagant mode of living of some of the colon-
ists, and becau e few engaged in agricultural labor the balance
of trade was against them; that is their imports exceeded
their exports. The difference had to be made up in coin
which soon denuded the country of that commodity.
Under these circumstances trade was much embarrassed and
transactions were, to a limited extent, carried on by means
of promissory notes payable in furs, goods or farm produce.
These notes sometimes passed from hand to hand in making
large settlements; still this could not take the place of coin
and trade became more and more depressed.
The issue of a paper currency, that would be worthless in
any other country, seems to have been the only untried ex-
pedient. Although it was not a new idea it had not before
been attempted on this ccMitinent. The circumstances con-
nected with its first issue are as follows; as the Intendant
Meules writes to the Minister in 1685: — " I have no money
to pay the soldier- and not knowing to what Saint to make
ni\- vows, the idea has occurred to me of j)iittin^ into circula-
tion n( tes made of cards. " As there was no printing' press
in the colon)- and as few of the inhabitant-, did anj- writinj^
the stock of paper (jn hand was very limited. During the
\o\v^ winter evening's card plajing was the favorite amuse-
ment of the people consecpientiy there was a lar^e stock on
hand ready to supply the writer's demands. This supply
was useil by the Intendant, and common playing cards, cut
in four with the amount written thereon, was the first paper
money issued on this continent. From this circumstance it was
always known in Canada as tnoiniait' dc carte or c.ird money.
lM)llowiri^ the example of Canada, paj)er money became for
a time, almost the only currency of the Xortli American
Coloiiies. Fach card was stamped with a Jiciir-dc-lis and a
crown in sealing wax and was signed by the Intendant and
the clerk of the Treasury at (Juebec. At a specified time
they were convertible into bills of exchanjje tirawn on tlie
Imperial Treasury.
When this issue had been withdrawn from circulation
other cards, made payable to bearer, were issued by the home
government redeemable in I''rance. They circulated freely
among the people who found them convenient in making
remittances. At a later perioil another issue of Canadian
card money was put into circulation. I'hey were signed by
the (iovernor and Intendant and bore the coat of arm-; of the
Intenda.it, the seal of the (iovernor together with the date
and value in writing. The denominations issued were
twenty and forty .sv/.v, and four, sixteen and thirty-two livres.
At first the issue was not so popular as the old one payable
in France, as the people believed that the Canadian cards
would not be as readily received in exchange for Treasury
bills ; but when the time came for making the exchange the
Treasurer gave the preference to the holders oftheCai.ad-
ian c.inls. This hid the dc-iircd effect, the new issue was
accepted without questioning and it was jji-efcired to the old.
The regular issue of card money continued for twenty-five
years. It circulated in the Colony and was preferred to any
other money as long as it was promptly retleemed. The
financial difficulties, that had so long been a source of weak-
ness to the Colony, seemed to have come to an end. Hut
troublesome times were at hand. The wars which made
glorious the reign of Louis Xiv. and his lavish expenditure
of money in other directions, had so drained the Treasury
of France that the drafts drawn by the CoU)nial Treasurer
could not be honored. Treasury bills, so useful to the colo-
nists in remitting for their purchases, were sold at a heavy
discount. Meanwhile card money continued to be issued for
the defrayment of the colonial expenses. As the Treasury
bills, with which it might have been redeemed, were almost
worthless, the card money increased in circulation far beyond
the requirements of the people. It was estimated that there
was over 2,000,000 livres in circulation in 1714. It soon,
under tliese circumstances, becanie depreciated in value and
the government, under pressure, from time to time com-
pounded with the holders of cards at a discount of fifty per
cent. Finally in 1717, a decree was issued which, after
alluding to these .settlements, providetl that the cards should
b'* current for half their value and that finally they be
altogether withdrawn from circulation. In the meantime a
new issue was made to provide for the immediate wants of the
Treasury, to be redeemed on the same conditions as the old.
The arrangement for the settlement was as follows : — The
cards were to be presented to the Treasurer before the sail-
ing of the last ships, for the year, in November. The hold-
ers were to receive bills of exchange for their cartls at a dis-
count of fifty per cent, one third payable on the first of March
171*^. one third same day in 17 19, and the balance in 1720.
All cards not piXNcnted before that time to be cancelled,
riie Minister of Marine in writin^^ to the Council, states,
under date of May 1716. that :— "Ihe Council "^houUl order
M. Mi^'on (the Intemianl) to draw 99,003 livre> for bills of
exchange which remain out of the 160.000 payable in 1717,
and in tliL- same manner for a like sum payable in 1718,
ami to continue until the total extinction of the cards and
then cause them to be burneil u[) acconlinij to the first
project."
Trade had been in a comparatively healthy condition
durin^j the regular issue and redemption of the card money
and it would have speedily recovered from the depression into
which it had been thrown by the over issue of cards and the
dishonoring of the colonial drafts, had a sufficient quantity
been left in the hands of the people for their immediate
wants as a currency. As it was, commerce was almost totally
suspended. A number of decrees were issued between the
years 17 19 and 1726 affecting the currency without material
improvement. For this continued stagnation of the trade of
the colony, the reissue (jf the card money was believed to be
the only remedy anil representatiotis t>) that effect were made
tt) the king. He therefore i>n the 2nd of March 1/20, issued
an ordinance announcing the reissue of the card money. The
following is a condensed translation of the ordinance :- "His
Majesty.liaving been informed of the situation of the Colony
of Canada since the extinction of the card mone\-, and hearing
that the gold and silver which he has sent out during the last
ten years for the expenses of the country have successively
returned each year to T'rance which has caused the decay of
the internal tratle of the Colony, hinders the increase of the
establishments, makes it more difficult for the merchants to
retail their goods and wares; and as a necessary consequence
caused a decline of the foreign trade which cannot be sustain-
ed but by retail consumption; His Majesty proposes the best
I
'His
means for the remedy of these inconveniences which is not
less needful for the commerce of the Kingdom than to his
subjects in New France; in the discussion of the different pro-
jects none seemed more feasible than that of estabHshin^a
card money which will be received at I lis Majesty's warelious-
rs in payment of powder and other munitions and merchand-
ise that may be sold and for which bills will be \rivcn on the
Genera! Treasurer of .Marine for the time beiuLj; this lias been
voluntarily deterinined upo\^ in answer to the desires of the
Canadian Merchants, who last year presented a recpiest to
this effect to the (iovernor, Lieutenant General and to the
Covnnissairt-Ordonimtcitr of New I'" ranee, and also to the
demands of the inhabitants in general who have made the
same representation, and that this currency will be of great
utility to home and foreign trade by the facilitating of
purchases and sales which will be made in the colony which
will increase the establishments, and His M.ijesty wishing to
explain these intentions, has ordered and or jrs as follows: —
" I. Card money will be made to the amount of four hundred
thousand lii'trs, of denominations, twenty-four, twelve, six
and three livrcs; one lii'ir ten sols, fifteen sols and seven sols
ten (7«V;,s-, which cards will be stamped with His Majesty's
arms, and written and signed by the Controlcur o{ Marine at
Quebec.
" II. The cards of twenty-four, twelve and three livns will
be signed by the Governor, the Lieutenant General, and
I ntendant or Covuiiissairc-Ordoniiatcuf.
" III. riiosc of one livre, ten sols, fifteen sols, and seven sols
si.x dcnUrs will only be initialed by the Governor, Lieutenant
General and I ntendant or Coiniiiissain-OriloiiHatiiir.'^
The remainder of the Ordinance relates to guarding the
quantity to be issued, prevention of counterfeiting and so-
forth. From this ordinance we learn the denominations, the
amount issued and the manner of inscribing them. As the
I
i^suc, four luindrcd thousaiul lirres, equal to about seventy
two thousand ilollars was too small for the wants of the
Ijopulation the; amount was increased by two hundred thous-
and, by an ordinance dated May i 2th 1733. The lienomina-
tions and form of the cards were to be the same as those of
1 729. As th«' population contiinied to increase, this tjuantity
barel)' enough at the time of its rir-.t issue, became entirely in-
adecjuate for the retiuiremeiits of the people; the Inten Mounaics dc
France'' he states that : — "To facilitate trade in Canada the
King causeil to be struck one hundred thousand livres worth
of Louis of fifteen W.V ,.\\k\ jivi' sols and doubles of . pure
copper. These coins were of the same value, weight and
fineness as those of Fr.ince. On the silver Louis of fifteen
sols and of five sols in place of, ''Sit iioineii Doviitii bcncdietuvf
was ''Gloriani re^ni tui dicctif, and on the double ''Doubles dc
lO
I'Amcriqiie Framr'sc." Cli irlc\'oix states that this coinage
was struck for the West Indies. He writes as follows:-, "In
1 070 the West India Company, to which the Kinsj;^ had ceded
the dominion over the islands of th«- French American
Continent, had permission to introduce into the islands small
money to the amount of one hundred thousand //77rj.stamped
by a particular die with a legend which was peculiar to it.
The King's edict is of the month of h'ebruary and was to the
effect that these coin- be current oiily in tlu islands. Hat
on certain difficulties that supervened, the Council issued on
the 1 8th of November 1672, a decree by which it was ordered
that the money aforesaid and all other specic;s being current
in France should also be current not only in the French
Islands but also on the /trnryf/vz/rt of America subject to the
crown with an augmentation of one fourth superadded ; that
is to say, the fifteen sol piece for twenty sols and others in
like proportion. '
American collectors have continued to reiterate a claim that
this money was current in Louisiana and as such may
be classed as money pertaining to the colonial times of the
United States. Hut, as the French made no settlement in
Louisiana or any part of the great West until the beginning
of the eighteenth century, and as the Mississippi was not
even discovered by La Salle until some time after 1670, .ve
can safely affirm that this coinage never circulated in any of
the territory now under the jurisdiction of the United States.
This claim then, that the "Gloriam Rcgid„ as this coinage
has been called, relates to any other place than Canada on
the North American continent, can be dismissed without
further comment.
These coins are all very rare. Of the five sol piece, the
commonest, only five or six specimens are known in Canada
and about as many in the United States. One of these was
found in circulation, some years ago, in a small town on the
II
III
New Brunswick border. The fifteen sol piece is much scarcer
as only two or three are known to numismatists one of which
is in the c.'xbinet of the Parliamentary Library at Ottawa hav-
jniT cost over one hundred dollars. The double is almost un-
known and for a Ior.g.time, as no specimens of that denomina-
tion had come under the observation of numismatists, it was
believed that no coin answering to this description was ever
struck. But some years ago a Boston numismatist obtained
an electrotype from which the piece has been properly
described. From the letter " A " appearing on all deno-
minations of the coinage we learn that it was struck in I'aris.
Most of the specimens of these coins, known on this continent,
were imported from France, which proves that coins sent out
to Canada returned to France, in the sliape of remittances,
almost as soon as they were imported. One or two specimens
of the five w/ piece were found in Ilayti, which seems to
corroborate Charlevoix's statement that this money was
struck for the West India Company,
During the ten years from 17 19 to 1729 when no card money
was issued the regular coinage of France circulated which
consisted oi dciiicrs, double dcnicrs in copper, and five, fifteen,
thirty and sixty sols in silver. A letter signed b\' the
Governor and Intendant, under date September 6th 17 17,
refers to these coins as follows:- " We have received the letter
which the Council has done us the honor to write us, with the
printed edict of the King rendered in the month of November
last which orders the making of the wcw Louis d' or at the
Paris mint. We have made it public and we shall see that
it is observed, none of that make has yet come into the
countr)' "
In 1719 a decree was issued reducing the value of the
gold coins, while another, issued October 24th 1720,
raised the nominal value, of gold and silver and attempted
the reduction of the value of commodities. This had hardly
12
gone into o[)cr.ition when it was suspended by a decree
of December 26th.
In April 29th 172 1 a decree ordered the issue of a copper
coinage for the colonies. This coinage had on the obverse
the legend "Sit Nomcu Domini nciicdictnm" common to the
coins of France at that time and two L,s crossed with a
crown above. The reverse had the inscription, ''Colonics
Francoises 1 72 1," with a letter indicating the place of mintage
Those with the letter "H" were struck at the La Rochelle
mint. Much of the shipping trade with Canada was carried
on from that port and likely for that reason its mint was
employed to strike the coinage. Others, with the letter "B"
were issued from the Rouen mint because many of the part-
ners in Le Compa^nie des Indcs were residents of that town.
Another coinage struck at the mint La Rochelle was issued
in 1722. Coiits of this issue are by no means rare as
specimens are occasionally met with in circulation when a
hoard of old coppers are turned out. Those dated 172 1 are
much scarcer especially that of the Rouen mint which seems
to indicate that this variety was shipped mainly to some of
the other colonies, probably the West Indies.
Decrees were issued concerning the lack of specie in Feb-
ruary, March and September 1724. And again in 1726
there was another decree augmenting its nominal value.
As the cards, which have already been described were issued
in 1729 and continued along with the ordinances to be the
chief circulating medium until the close of the regime we hear
little if anything about coins in Canada; except, that in 1756,
a shipment of coins, amounting to one million three hundred
thousand livns, was sent out, which soon found its way back
to France in the shape of remittance and left the people as
innocent of coined money as before.
13
Now as to the medals. Diirinf]^ the rci'Mis of Louis Xiv
and XV, medals were struck to commemorate every
conceivable event in the life of tlie.^e kin<;s or the history of
the nation. And yet very few have any direct reference to
Canada. The earliest of these is one struck in 1658, in
honor 01 tlu^ Duke de Dampville, who is thereon entitled
Viceroy of America. The legend on the reverse, "I'or out
of thee sliall come a ruler that shall rule my people" indi-
cates the extent of the laudations and of flattery expressed
in those times towards those in prominent positions.
The title or position of X'iceroy of the IVench Colonies in
America was an honorary one and seem.-, to ha\e been insti-
tuted by Champlain in 16 12. I-'illed with his project of colo-
nizing Canada and hampered by the indifference of the gov-
ernment he, while on his way to Paris, conceived the idea
that a powerful protector must be had for the new colony ; one
that could push its interests at court amid rival intrigues. On
his arrival he unfolded his dc>igns to Charles de Bourbon
Contcde Soissons expatiating on the wonderful prospects and
great extent of New I'^-ance. Soissons, ha\ ing obtained the
consent of the King, became guardian of the French New
W^orld, and was made Lieutenant General of the colony, with
viceregal [)owers. Champlain accepted a position under him
as lieutenant, but scarcely had the commission been signed
when the Count died. Henri de Bourbon, Prince de Conde
was then appointed to the \acant protector.- hip, which honor
he held until he was impriNoned in 1620 when he sold iiis
viceroyalty to Henri U DucdeMontmorwncv', for eleven thou-
sand crowns. MontmorencN' .--oon becoming tired of the
annoyance.-! of the [josition sold it to Aime de Levi, Due tie
Vetandour. I'rom him it jiassetl to ids fourth son l^^rancois
Christoph de Levi, Due de Dampville. In Noxember 1644.
he was a[)pointed by letters patent which were confirmed in
1645. He iield the position until August 1660.
I
i4
None of the Viceroys ever lived in Canada and only one, De
Tracy, visited the colony ; their office being mainly to watch
over its affairs at the court ; and yet at one time the appoint-
ment must have been a profitable one or it would not have
changed hands at such a high figure.
The Kcbcat libcrata medal, as the one next in order is
called, was struck on the receipt of the news of the success-
ful defence of Quebec against the attack of Sir William
Phipps in 1690. The circumstances of the afifair may be
briefly stated as follows : — The people of New England,
determined to drive the French out of Canada, made prep-
rations for an attack on Quebec and Montreal. The expedi-
tion against Quebec, comprising thirty four ships and two
thousand volunteers under Phipps, sailed from Boston on the
19th of August, reaching Quebec on the 16th of October.
Phipps on his arrival sent Frontenac a summons to surrender.
The governor's reply to the English commander's messenger
was "Return sir, and tell your General that the muzzle of my
cannon will forthwith bear my answer to the rude summons
he has sent me." The batteries at once opened on his ships
and although Sir William attempted to capture the town by
strategy, he had to return vanquished, leaving the artillery
he had landed, as a prize to the French. This medal re-
presents France as a female, surrounded with battle trophies,
seated on a rock which rises out of the sea, at her feet is
a beaver with the legend "France in the new world con-
queror."
Another medal, commemorative of the foundation and
fortification of Louisbourg, was struck in 1720. Louisbourg
was built as an outpost for the protection of Canadian ship-
ping and as a harbour of refuge for the fishing fleet in those
troublesome times. Claims and counter claims were con-
stantly being made of exclusive rights to the Gulf fisheries.
Under these circumstances there was much need of such a
fortress especially as a chronic state of warfare existed between
the French and English colonists. There was much pleasure
•'Sy
»5
felt in the completion of these fortifications, and Louisbf)urg
was af»:er Quebec, considered the most impregnable point on
the continent. Under these circumstances its completion
was we'l worthy thus to be commemorated. The reverse
of the medal gives a good view of the harbour with the town
and fortifications. Its capitulation to Admiral Hoscawen,
vifter a brief siege, was a surprise to the French depressing
them so greatl)- that the final conquest of Canada was
much facilitated thereby. The consecjuent joy of the I'lng-
lish was such that no less than twelve dififerent medals were
struck in commemoration of the event.
Another medal was struck for distribution as rewards
among the friendly Indian chiefs. In making treaties with
the Indian tribes it was customary to present the chiefs with
belts of wampum. Hut as wampum after a time was not so
highly esteemed, medals, the ornamental money of the Euro-
pean, were substituted ; and no treaty was consummated or
friendly chief rewarded without the i)resentation of medals.
As throwing some light on the subject, the following letter,
dated September 2ist, 1722, from Governor Vaudreuil may
be quoted : — "I have received the letter that the council
has honored me with and the twelve medals with tlie portrait
of the King, eight small and four large ones. 1 have con-
tinued to be careful not to lavish this favor too freely among
the Indians and to give them only to those who deserve
them by their services to the nation and to those whom I de-
sire to bind to our interests by this mark of honor.''
Again on the 25th of August 1 727 the Marquis de Heauharnois
writes "since the death of M. de Vaudreuil, the Jesuits have
have not asked for medals for the chiefs * *' '^ The
Rev. Father de la Chase, to whom the Marquis de \'audreuil
had given one, tells me it is absolutely necessary to procure
some more. I have received proofs of this. The Indians
from above, when they come down to Montreal, would
not relieve me from promising them to several who ha\e
served us well among their tribes, I pray you to enable me to
i6
satisfy these savages and send me a do^en small medals and
six larfjc ones." In connection with the above an extract
from a letter, written by Mother Mary in 1723, may be
quoted, as the medal is therein described. After mentioning
the Indians she states that: — Louis XIV had sent several
silver medals of considerable size, on one side of which was
his portrait, and on the other that of the Dauphin, his son, and
the three princes, children of the latter, to be given to those
who should distinguish themselves in war. To them has
since been attached a flame coloured ribbon four fingers in
breadth and the whole decoration is highly prized by them.
:k ■* -r- When any chief dies he is honorably buried, a
detachment of troops parade, several volleys of musketry are
fired over his grave and on his coffin are laid a sword crossed
with its scabbard and the medal under consideration fastened
upon them." Some years ago a silver medal answering to
the above description was found in the posession of an old
Huron Indian living at Lorette near Quebec. This medal
bears the date 1693, about which time it may have been given
to a Huron chief. It therefore must have continued in the
posession of this family for over one hundred and fifty years.
These medals were prized by the Indians as bearing the
image of the great white father, over the Ocean, and his
illustrious sons. It was in fact a letter from him conveying
his message to them, his children, telling them as plainly as
did the wampum belt of old, of the greatness of the French
King and pet)ple, and of the benefits they would receive as
their allies.
This modal is described in the catalogue of the Muscc
MoHctairc, Paris 1833 with- the heading "iV(r/w\yriw^ « Z>;/f
dc Bcrryy Hut, as the Duke was born in 1686, and the medal
in question struck in 1693, there cannot be an)- doubt that
the heading is wrong and that the medal was struck especially
for the Indians. There is a small medal similar in appearance
which bears the date of his birth. This may be the small
medal alluded to by the Governors in their letters quoted
17
above, which, while originally struck in commemoration of
the birth of the young Duke, was afterwards used in reward-
ing the minor Indian chiefs.
In the reign of Louis XV another medal was struck for
distribution among the friendly Indians, on the obverse were
the bust and titles of the King while the reverse represent-
ed two ancient warriors clasping hands. The one to the
right with a plumed helmet and dressed in the Roman
toga, represents France, while the one to the left having no
other covering than a loose drapery probably represents
the Indian allies. The inscription //i?wj <'/ r/r/z^j- indicates
that the recipient was rewarded for an honorable and brave
act. One or two of these medals have been found among the
Indians here. And the absence of all mention of it in the
catalogue of the Musce Mouetairc clearly proves that it was
struck for the Canadian Indians.
Medals were struck commemorative of other events, more
or less remotely connected with the history of Canada, such
as the formation of the Compagnic dcs Indcs, and the treaties
that effected the changes in Canadian boundaries. But, as
their connection with Canada is only secondary, it is un-
necessary to enumerate them here.
Another series of numismatic mementoes relating to Can-
ada are the colonial jetons that were struck durinL-; the last
decade of the Old Regime. As it was almost impossible to
work out the simplest question in arithmetic by the old
forms of notation, aids were soon adopted, and these in an-
cient times took the forms of plain discs of bone or horn .
In mediaeval times, counters struck in metal, were first issued
in France, where they were called jetons from Jitter to cast
up or reckon accounts. A complete set did not amount to
over a hundred with which the most complex arithmetical
problems could be worked out. The earliest specimens,
which made their appearance about the middle of the
twelfth century, were rudely struck often without legend
and occasionally with roughly executed and unintelligible
\S
tlcvice. Later specimens were much improved as works ot"
art ami often commemorated some local historical incident
in vhe history of town or province in whicii they were issued,
liut with the general atloption of the Arabic form of notation,
their ori<^inal use declined. Still jetons continued to be struck
in I'Vance long after their use as counters had been aband-
oned and impressions in silver, and occasionally in
gold, were given as prestMits to patrons, governors and other
persons of influence. Every department of the government,
every prince and duke, every province and town, every abbey
and Company, once, if notoftener, in their history, iiad com-
memorative jetons struck for presentation to their j)atrons.
Although Pinkerton in his "Essay on Medals" states that
jetons were counted worthless by higher numismaticians,
and also warns young collectors against being deceived into
purchasing them, believing them to be rare antiques, the)'
,ire much sought after by modern collectors, especially in
France. Many old costumes and manners are graphically
pictured, and many an event in local history brought to
light, by means of these jetons. Local collections of them
are often \-aluable aids in compiling the history of towns
and provinces.
Jetons relating to Canada were first struck in 175 i,and the
emission of a new design continued aiuuially, until 175S,
making eight designs in all. These all have titles and bust of
Louis XV on the obverse, while on the reverse was depicted
allegorical design and legend referring to the progress of the
colonies and colonization. The inscription ''Colonics Frau-
caiscs dc C Aincriqiic^' more or less abreviated, together
with the date, always occurs in exergue. These devices are
often full of meaning and may be explained thus : — That
on the jeton of 175 i, which represents an Lidian looking
backwards towards a group of lilies growing, of which the
inscription states that "They grow under every constellation"
or in every clime, alludes to the lilies of France, tiiat is the
progress and extent of her colonies that were being e.stab-
19
lished all over the world. The jeton of 1752, which has a
figure of Mercury flying towards the western shores with
the legend "He makes commerce for both worlds," indicates
that the colonizing policy of the King of France had won
derfully enlarged the commerce of his people making an
entirely new avenue for trade. On that issued in 1753, the
sun is represented as shining on the two hemispheres, about
which the legend states "One enough for both." That is
the benign reign of the King of France is sufficient for both
the old and the new world, and that the whole of the west-
ern hemisphere should be blessed with the prosperous gov-
ernment of the F>ench King. In the 1754 piece a repre-
sentation is given of three beavers at work on the bank of
a stream, while beyond the stream is a plantation of Indian
corn growing. The inscription "Not inferior to metals" in-
dicates that although many adventurers, fired with the re-
ports of the wonderful stores of precious metals found in the
Spanish colonies, had come to Canada expecting that it
too overflowed with such wealth, had been sadly disap-
pointed, yet the fur trade and the pursuit of agriculture were
not inferior to the silver of Mexico and Peru as a source of
true wealth. On the jeton of 1755 is an ancient galley,
that of Jason, it would appear, bringing home the golden
fleece. The inscription "not more common than the golden"
is another allusion to fur trade shewing that its pursuit was
as difficult and as beset with dangers and that the reward
might be as great as was Jason's. The jeton issued in 1756
represents a swarm of bees passing from one hive to another,
regarding which the legend states that "They change their
seat but not their mind." This refers to the hiving off of
the superabundant population of Old France as colonists in
New France, and that they remained as true and loyal
citizens as before. Another issued in 1757 has for device
Mars and Neptune on a shell floating towards the western
shore and states that " ^he remotest earth is preparing
victories." This may be regarded as an empty boast when
?o
\vc know how soon tlic I*!nipirc of I'Vancc wa> dismcmberccl,
for defeats rather than conqucvsts and victories, was in store
for her. The last, issued in 1758, ha> a representation of a
number of birds flying towards a rock bouml coast. The
inscription states that, there was, "The same valor beyond
the seas," ct)mmemora'ing the valor of the Canadians in de-
fenihng their country against great odds and under such
straitened circumstances, luich of the eight reverses occur
with one or more chfferent obverses, which makes the total
number of varieties about thirty four. It i-> not likely
that any were sent to Canada at the time of i.isue, as they
were unknown to Canadian Numismatists, until a few years
ag(j when they were brought to our notice by a German
cataK>gue of North American coins and medals, where they
were described and classified as Canadian. Since then the
interest manifested in them has so continued to increase
that there is hardly a Canadian Cabinet of importance that
does not contain one or more varieties ; and specimens to
supply the demand are constantly being imported from
France at high and higher prices. Some of the varieties
are very rare but others especially those of 1751 and 1755
are easily to be obtained. They are mementoes of the
(la}'s of patronage, and bring us back to a time when the
nod of approval of some great man and the propitiation of a
host of sycophant courtiers was considered necessary to the
success of an enterprise. These colonial jetons, struck for
presentation to such, open up before us the intrigues and
frivolous etiquette of a dilettante court through which those
ardent spirits — the colonists of New France — had to push
their claims for support against ovewhelming odds, in the
struggle for the supremacy of their race on this continent.
From this Numismatic history we learn that the
instability of their circulating medium was to the early Can-
adians their greatest trouble. It was an ever recuting one.
And while they, unlike the New England Colonists, had no
heavy irresponsible taxation grievance ; this their special one
21
jfrcw ami multiplied. Through their own unthriftiiiL^-. and
love of dix'sM the)- lost their specie having to accept the cud
money as a substitute which in time became \vorthle>s.
While considering these mementoes of our past we are
brought back to those stirring times when the ilestinies of
Canada were moulded ; back to tile heroic days of Jacques
Carlier, Champlain, La Salle and the discoverers of the
Great West; and we learn that through this nu)ney difficulty
coupled uith the corruption and extravagant management
i>t the later ruler.-, the conquest was made possible, and how
a brave and patriotic people accepted contentedly the con-
dition of contjuered under the better financial management
of the conquerors,
The following is a list of coins, medals, and jetons as far
as they are known to me that were struck by the French
for circulation in Canada or to commemorate some Cana-
dian event, or for distribution among the Indian Allies.
-COIXS-
Q[r,>, \—-L\\), xni. i)„o. FR. KT \.\V. KKX. Laureatcd
bust of the King, in corslet and mantle, to the right
above the bust between the letters "c;" and "i'" is
the sun for mint mark,
Rev.: — GLOKIAM. Rli(;M. IVI. IJICENT. 167O. The
arms of France three flcur-de-Hs two and one on a
Crowned Shield. Above the crown is a tower for
mint mark with the letter A, the symbol of the Paris
mint, underneath between "REGNl" and "TUI." Size
27 millitnctrcs.
33
2.
3-
4.
5.
6.
Oln>. ;— As the last.
Ra>. : — As the last. Size 20 m.
Obv. ;— LVDOVICUS XIII D. GR. R. FRAN. ET NAV. REX. a
crowned ii dividing the date 1670, under the date
is the letter A,
^«^;— DOVBLE | I)E LA | MERIQVE. | FRANCOISE | A
Inscription in five lines. Three Flcur-dc-lis one on
either side of the A and one under it size, 23 m.
Obv.: — SIT. NOMEN. DOMINI. 15KNEDICTUM. Two L*S
surmounted by a crown.
Rev. — COLONIES I FRANCOISES | 1721 | B. Inscription
in four lines size 25 m.
(9(Jv.;— Aslast.
ReiK : — As last, but with the letter H instead of B.
Size 25 m.
Obv. /—As No. 4.
Rtv. : — As last but dated 1722. Size 25 ih.
MEDALS.
8.
Obv. ; — FR. CHRIST. DE. LEVL D. DAMPVILLE. P. FRANC.
PROREX. AMERIC/E. Bust in armor to the right
with long hair falling over the shoulder. L HARDY.
F. 1658.
Rev. :— EXIE. enim. exiet. dvx. qvl regat.
POPVLVM. MEVM. Arms on a royal mantle of er-
mine surmounted by a ducal coronet. Arms are
quartered, the first and fourth being alike, and are
quartered ?.s follows without indication of colors, first
three chevrons the arms of de Levi, second, three
bends the arms of Thoire Villars, third, three stars —
two and one ; fourth a lion rampant the Arms of
Layre. The second and third quarters a cross with
sixteen alerions ; the Arms of Montmorency. Size
50 m.
Obv. : — LUDOVICUS MAGNUS REX CHRISTIANISSIMUS.
Head of Louis XIV, with long flowing hair, to the
2$
10.
II.
12.
»3.
14.
right under the head R,
RfZ'. — FRANCIA IN NOVO ORUK VICTRIX. ICx : —
KEHKCA LIHKRATA | M. DC. xc. A female, to the
left reptesenting France, seated on a rock rising
out of the water on her head is a mural crown,
her left hand rests on the Shield of France, and her
right foot rests on a shield, probably that of England.
On either side are battle flags, while a beaver is
crawling towards her feet. To the right of the rock
is a river god. Size 41 m.
Obv. — As last but with DOLLIN F. under the head.
Rev. — Same as last, size 41 m.
Odjf.—A'^ No. 8 but with l. mavger f. under the
head.
Rev. — Same as No. 8, size 41 ;«.
6>/^.— LUDOVICUS XV. U. G. FR. ET NAV. REX.. Lau-
reated and draped youthful bust of the King to
the right. Under the bust DU VIVIER.
^^i,.__LUDOVICOBURGUM FUNDATUM FIT MUNITUM.
Ex : — M.DCC.XX. A view of the town, harbour
and fortifications. There are three vessels in the
harbour with three smaller and two larger ones
sailing out to sea. Size 41 m.
Obv. — LUDOVICUS XV. REX CHRISTIANISSIMUS. Laur-
eated and older bust of the King to the right.
Rev. — Same as last, size 41 nt.
Obv.—VKX UHIQUE VICTRIX. Ex :— GALLORUM ET
BRITANNIORUM | CONCORDIA | MDCCLXIII. Peace to
the left standing, with a Caduccus in her left hand
and an olive branch in her extended hand. At her
feet is a naked figure representing war, seated and
bound. Behind them are flags, a battering ram and
other implements of ancient warfare.
Rev. — Same as No. 11, size 41 m.
Obv. —LUDOVICUS MAGNUS REX CHRISTANISSIMUS.
Naked bust of Louis XIV, laureated— to the right
-'4
iiiulci the bust li. Kovssi'.l,. F.
A\','. :- Fi"i iciTAS in)Mis AlKii'si'Ai;. Hust of the
Dauphin to tho left uiuliTiicath. .SKKKN. DKl.l'll.
that of the Duke dc liupj^oyne, to tlie iii;ht, inscrip-
tion, .11 I), 1>. lU'Ri;. That of the Duke d'Aninui to
the left .rim., n, AM».. an«.l that of the Duke de
Heny .CAR. 1>. r.iri'R. L'lulerneath is the date
M.IH'.XCIII. and tlie name of the engraver .11, KOV.^.sKi,
in small letters, size 75 w.
15. (V>:: : — i.inovnTS XV. Ki;x niuisTiAMssiMus.
l-.uneateil ami dr.iped bust of the Kinjj^ to the ri^ht.
Ki::: — no\(^s i; 1' VIRI'ILs. Two warriors, standiuL;,
elaspini; hands. The one to the rii^ht hold.s in his
left hand a spear and has the Roman tunic and a
plumed iielmet. The other hoUls liis spear in his
ri^ht hand and has a loose dr.ipery rouml his loins
and over liis left arm. Size ^9 w,
Jl'/rONS.
16. 0/>:::—\.V\\ XV. RKX (-ilRlsriAMSS. Laureated bust
in armour to the ri^ht with a broaii ribbon over the
sl.oulder, f^leven laurel loaves on the breast-pUite D.V.
uniler the arm.
AV.-'. .— sri! OMNI .smr.KK crkscunt. i<:x.— roi..
I'RAXi. nr. j i.AM. 1751. An Indian to the ri^ht
with bow .md ([uiver lookint; back towards a L;"roup
of seven lilies, two tnws in the ilistance, >i/e jS ;//.
17. O!':'.: As last, but with seventeen l.iurel leaves on the
breast-pl.ite.
A',7'. .■ — As last, but with an alli-^^ator coming; up out of
the water in front of the huli.m. Size .:q m.
18 Obv. — As Ni>. U), but with seven (leur-de-lis on the
breast -plate.
A\r'. — Same as List. Size ..V) ;;/.
19. Obv. — Inscription as on No. 10. Hust in civic dress to
the rii;hl, locks tlowini; over the shoulder. Under
.
- T"!''^
.
20.
21.
23.
24.
-V-
2S.
20.
25
the bust nu viviKK.
A'<7'. — Same as No. 17. Si/.e 30 ;//.
Ohv. — Same inscription. Bust in civic dress to the
right with lon<; hair tieil behiiul and a broad ribbon
over tlie rij^lit, shoulder under the bust \\. DUVIV.
Rev. — UTRIQUK FACIT (.'OMMKRc'lA MUNDO. i-'x —
COL. FRANC. DK | I.AM 1752. Mcrcury with a
Caduiius in his right ilying over the sea — towards
the left. To the left is the shore with buildings ami
the letters c. N. R. Size 29 ;;;.
Obv. — Same as No. 18.
Rev. — Sam(^ as last. Size 29 /;/.
Ohv. — Same as No. 19.
Rev. — Same as No 20.
Obv.—VKovvxwv \:v i-as^it. Kx— 1752. Arms of
the Coiuptii^nit' (As /m/iS, or n palm tree, Crest, a
Haron's Coronet supports two Indians with clubs the
one to the left on one knee, and the other to the right,
seated ; vmder his foot D. V.
Rev. — Same as No 20. Size 30 ;;/.
0/>v. — Same inscription. lleatl to the rit^ht with long
hair behind. CJR under the heail in ,scri[)t mono-
gram,
AVr'. — SATIS UXUS UTRigCK. Kx — COI... FRANC. PK
l'am. 1753. The sun shining upon the two hemis-
pheres upon which the names of the continents and
oceans are inscribeil si/.e 29 ;//.
O/rr. -Same inscription. Hust in lionskin, long
tieii behimi, under the hust V M, in mimoeram.
Ri'v. — Same as No. 24. Size 29 w.
(V'."'. — Same as No. 1 S.
AV;'. — Same as N\\ 24.
(.y>v. — Same as No. k).
AV.-' — Same as No. 24.
Ok'. — Same inscrijjtion.
Iiau"
Si/ 1' ^9 ;//.
Size 30 /;/,
Laureateil bust in armour to
th
e right, untler the bust ////. in monogram.
26
30^
/2^i;._X0N INFERIORA METALLIS. Ex— COL. FRANC.
DE 1 l'am. 1754. To the left are three beavers at.
work on the bank of a stream, on the other side of
the stream is a plantation, probably of Indian Corn
underneath on the groundwork are the letters C.N.R.
Size 28 m,
Obv.—\M\y. XV. REX. christianss. Bust in armour
to the right with band of ermine over the left
shoulder, hair tied behind.
Rev. — Same as last. Size 29 m.
^^^._Same inscription as on No. 16. Laureated head
to the right under the head B. DUViv. F.
Rev. — Same as No 29. Size 29 m.
Obv. — Same as No 17.
Rev.—'^^m^ as No 29 Size 29 m.
Obv. — Same as No 18.
^«;.— Same as No 29. Size 29 m.
Obv. — Same as No 19.
Rev. — Same as No 29. Size 39 m.
Obv. — Same as No 26.
Rev. — Same as No 29. Size 39 ;;/.
Obv. — Same as No 26.
Rev. — NON VILIUS AUREO EX : — COL. FRANC. DE |
l'am. 1755. A twelve oared galley to the left, the
golden fleece suspended from the mast. Size 29 m.
Obv. — Same as No 29.
Rev. — Same as last. Size 29 m.
Obv. — Same as No 18.
Rev. — Same as No 36. Size 29 ;;/.
Obv, — Same as No 19.
Rev. — Same as No 30. Size 29 m.
Obv. — Same as No 25.
Rev. — Same as No 36.
Obv. — UT TOTO SERVET COMMERCIA MUNDO. Ex : —
MARINE I 1 74 1. Neptune with a trident in his right hand and
a Caduceus in his left, long drapery passing behind him and
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41
curving over to the right
Rev. : — Same as No 26 size 28 m.
42 Obv. — Same inscription. Laureated head, with long
hair to the right, under the head R. Films.
Rev. — SEDEM NON AxNIMUM MUTANT EX.— COL. FRANC
DE I l'am 1756. A swarm of bees passing from one hive
to another, size 39 m,
43. Obv. — Same inscription. Laureated and draped bust to
the right, under the bust R. FiL.
Rev. — PARAT ultima terra TRIUMPHOS EX.— COL.
FRANC. I DE l'amerique— 1 7 57. Mars with a
spear in his upraised right hand and a shield on which
are emblazoned the lilies of France in his left and Nep-
une, grasping a trident in both hands, floating on a shell
towards the left ; size 26 w.
44. Obv. — Same as No 30.
Rev. — Same as last ; size 29 m.
45. Obv. — Same inscription. Laureated naked bust with
long hair tied behind. B. DUViv under the bust.
M.
Rev. — EADEM trans /EQUORA VIRTUS EX. I COL.
FRANC. DE I l'am. 1 758. A number of eagles flying
across the sea towards a rocky shore, buildings on the
opposite shore in the distance ; size 28 m.
46. Obv. — Same as No 42.
Rev. — Same as last. ; size 28 m.
47. Obv. — Same as No 18.
Rev. — Same as No 45 ; size 29 ;;/.
48. Obv. — Same as No 19.
Rev. — Same as No 45 ; size 30 ni,
49. Obv. — Same as No 30.
Rev. — Same as No 45 ; size 29 vt.
* ■. -',
,\\'^
It
M
i
^
^
i
10
15
I.' :-
$.0
-^^
X 9. 0/?u.-~Sawc in-icription, Heac
under the licad. FAJ in mono-
X ^o. (^/'7'. — Same incription. Jkist,
AVt'.— Same as Vo. 8. \V23,
X 1 1. Odf.—S'dmc a No. 4. Rtv.~
-IN'
X 12. (9/^7'. — Same iiscription. Laii
under the bust. Riv. — \0N IX !■
To the right throe beavers are ai
of the river are ,- number of pla:
groundwork, C.N.R. \V25. A4
K'3- Oh: — Same inscription. I^ust
ermine over the bust and loft sin
— . 14. Odv. — Same inscription. Laur
Rc7'. — Same as N, 12. A4X. ]
Xi5' Odz: — Same as \o. 10. Re:: —
XI 6. Oh: — Same as No. 2. Rez: — .'
XI 7. Odz: — Satne as So, 3. Rcp. — .'-
XI 8. Oh: — Same as No. 4, Re:: — :
\19. Oh: — Same as No. 10. Rcv.-
'755- A galley with twelve oar
' mast. A5X. W30. Fr9.
-' 20. Oh:-- Same as No. 12. Rn: —
X2 1, Odv. — Same as No. 9. Rev. — S
0(r- ^■■" '"ihi ' ?--
i^*i
\2 3. O/'r.—Samc as No. 4. Rev.~>
^^ 24. Ohv. — Same inscription. Laun-
der the head. Rev. — skdkm "^
1756. A swarm of bees passing
/
1 1
Rev.-
25. Oh: — Same as i'^-o. 13
I DE l/A.MKRIQLl',i | 1 757. Mai
France, and Neptune with his
^ lllf-^^' Oh: — Same inscription. Lau;
'^ bust. 15. DUVIV. Rev.—\:\\)vM
1758. A number of eagles fl}
Building on the tiie other shore i
X27. ^Z:-?'.— Same as No. 3. Rev. — S,
X28. C?/;7'.— Same as No. 4. Rcv.S.
y Vi> '»
fi^
M-QNTKEAL, April 2 I.st, I 884.
f
w
% V
^N
Tllli
ii
IK;
Ic
Si
IK
description o
known. No
nnotlicr b}- M
Believing
lists and subn
Jettons in yoi
rubbings of sj
publish a moi
Xuniismatics'
.^^^ Jettons i:
tions of thtm'
.Mr. Weyl, am
x I. 0/n:—:
ribbon