Investment grade Silver COIN SET

Playing Card Money Set

Many items have been used for money throughout human history, but arguably the most surprising are the playing cards which replaced coinage during the 17th and 18th centuries when it became scarce in the isolated colonyof New France.

This exciting new series showcases the fascinating history of "playing card money" with coins that feature a unique rectangular shape and combine colour and selective gold plating for the first time. 

Four coins make up this set:

Jack of Hearts (2008)

Queen of Spades (2008)

Ten of Spades (2009) 

King of Hearts (2009)

Jack of Hearts

The $15 Jack of Hearts coin is the first issue in the fascinating “Playing Card Money series".The name G DE PARIS that appears across the bottom is likely the name of the original artist,while the name LAHIRE is believed to reflect the 15th-century custom of naming each jack aftera famous figure, in this case one of Charles VII's generals. The inscription on the back of thecard suggests the Jack of Hearts was valued at fifty livres.

In 17th-century New France, everything was in short supply - including coins. In a desperatemove to keep his colony working, the governor issued playing cards bearing a written promise topay what was owed when the next shipment of coins arrived from France.

In 1729, authorities began using plain card stock, which circulated like modern bank notes,until New France fell to the British in 159—some 75 years after this unique form of moneyfirst appeared in 1685. 

QUEEN OF SPADES

The $15 Queen of Spades coin is the second coin in the fascinating "Playing Card Money series".The name G DE PARIS that appears at the bottom is likely the name of the original artist, while the name PALLAS is believed to have been inspired by the Greek goddess Athena or Joan of Arc. The inscription on the back of the card suggests the Queen of Spades was valued at one hundred livres.

Ten of Spades

There was a time when playing cards were valued like regular banknotes—and this Ten of Spades from 18th-century New France wasone of them; it was also a clever way for authorities to keep theircolony working despite chronic coin shortages.

Even more clever is how this intriguing coin preserves the playing card’s rectangular shape and is embellished with colour and selective gold plating along its edge—the first time these two stunning effects have been combined in this manner.

Another unique feature of this coin: its “missing” corners. They reflect the practice of clipping cards in order to produce lower denominations. Historians believe the Ten of Spades was valued at forty livres, but as a treasured part of your coin collection, you’ll consider it priceless. 

King of Hearts

All hail the king! This rectangular coin featuring the King of Hearts is the final issue in this must-have series that opens a rare window on that era. Its single, right-side-up design is an authentic reproduction of playing cards prior to 1870. Few examples survived, making these first-ever rectangular coins important guardians of this captivating history.

In 17th-century New France, everything was in short supply - including coins. In a desperatemove to keep his colony working, the governor issued playing cards bearing a written promise topay what was owed when the next shipment of coins arrived from France.

In 1729, authorities began using plain card stock, which circulated like modern bank notes,until New France fell to the British in 1759—some 75 years after this unique form of moneyfirst appeared in 1685.

SPECIFICATIONS (per coin)

Year of Issue: 2008-2009

Minted By: Royal Canadian Mint (RCM)

Country of Issue: Canada

Legal Tender: Yes

Denomination: $15

Metal Element Purity: Silver AG .925

Weight: 31.56g

Presentation: Coins / Bars are in Capsules & Include COA ONLY

Items for sale are exactly as shown in pictures

AUTHENTICATED using SIGMA METALYLICS VERIFIER

BUY IT FROM ME! I SHIP WITHIN NORTH AMERICA

PACKAGED / SHIPPED IN SMALL POLYPROPYLENE SLEEVE TO PROTECT THE BARS
 

 TERMS AND CONDITIONS

ALL SALES FINAL, NO EXCEPTIONS.

It is YOUR responsibility to determine condition on your own.

If you need further information or photos please ask!

SHIPPING

Shipping is by Expedited Courier Service (With Tracking and Insurance ).

I do not make money from shipping. These are my costs

IF there is excess fees collected they will be refunded to you

$20.99 within Canada

$24.99 to the United States

NO INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING FOR THIS ITEM