Royal Canadian Mint Releases A Playing Card Coin Set: Find Out Why

Last updated on May 2nd, 2024 at 03:35 pm

Last Updated on May 2, 2024 Posted by Colonial Acres Coins

If you aren’t familiar with the fact that playing cards were once used as currency in Canada, then you certainly must be confused by the Mint’s latest release. Cards were a simple solution in times of shortages and people used to write something on the back to indicate the value of cards and ensure a flawless exchange. The Royal Canadian Mint came up with a set of four coins that are inspired by the 17^th and 18^th century’s rectangular shape and style of playing cards. The flawless colourful design by Trevor Tennant and the impressive engraving job on these coins make the set a must-have evocation of the 18^th-century court cards. Read on if you’re interested in learning more about the design of these coins and the use of cards in Canada’s early history.

Playing Cards As Currency In New France

The 17^th century in New France – or more accurately the year 1685 – saw the first ever use of court cards as currency among Canadians. This was during the times of expansion of the French colony when all the coins used were made in France and imported to Canada. Due to shortages, this idea seemed like a simple solution at the time and cards were something that was easily identified among people. So, cards represented a simple and logical substitute when soldiers needed to be paid but coins were waited on to arrive from France. The interesting idea of cards being used as currency was proposed by Jacques de Meulles. He was responsible for writing the value on the back of the cards which would, later on, be recognized by merchants to be the face value of cards. Even though this practice was supposed to be a short-term solution in order to bridge the shortage of coins, it reappeared again in 1729 after being withdrawn In 1717.

Colourful, Pure Silver Card-Shaped Coins

The Royal Canadian Mint created a beautiful set that contains four fine silver coins with an eye-catching colourful design by Trevor Tennant. The talented artist managed to make t

he exact depiction of the old-school design together with the help of an expert in the field, a historian from the Fortress of Louisbourg. Vibrant colours and the rectangular shape give the set a luxurious look and feel, bringing the 18^th-century Lionet and Provence Pattern to life. The first coin features Alexander the Great or the King of Clubs holding a dagger in one hand and a scepter in the other. The second coin shows the biblical David or the King of Spades with a sword and an orb which symbolically stands for having the world in one’s hands. The third King of Hearts coin features Charles the Great with a fleur-de-lis (a stylized lily and a symbol of the French monarch) design visible on his cloak. Finally, the fourth piece, the King of Diamonds, shows Julius Caesar holding a baton and a scepter, a symbolic ornamental staff showing his imperial power.

Get Your Own Set At Colonial Acres

If you’ve laid eyes on the Royal Canadian Mint’s playing card coin set, then you should contact Colonial Acres to purchase your own. This set looks back on early Canadian history when court cards were used as currency amo

ng the people. It wonderfully portrays the old-school rectangular look of the cards and their use as coin substitutions back in the day. So, if you’re looking to expand your Canadian coin collection and add a set that covers the important period of the 17^th and 18^th century, get in touch with Colonial Acres. You’ll be able to purchase this set which comes with a free Royal Canadian Mint-branded deck of cards and is packaged in a maroon clamshell with a black beauty box.