2018 FINE SILVER 4-COIN SET
HISTORICAL CURRENCY OF CANADA
PLAYING CARDS OF NEW FRANCE

Introduced in 1685, the playing card money of New France is one of the most interesting chapters in the story of Canadian currency, but few examples survive today. This set of rectangular coins by the Royal Canadian Mint is a four of a kind in fine silver — a King of each suit, and all in a colourful style inspired by the cards that once circulated like banknotes.

All four rectangular coins bear original art by artist Trevor Tennant, who drew inspiration from the 18th century Lionet and Provence Pattern of court cards. Each reverse mimics the period style of the playing cards that were used as currency in New France. It features full colour over the engraved depiction of a King from one of four suits: spades, hearts, diamonds and clubs.
- The King of Diamonds (Julius Caesar) holds an authoritative baton in one hand, and in the other, a sceptre that symbolizes imperial power.
- The King of Clubs (Alexander the Great) is a confident king who holds a dagger-like sword in his right hand, and a sceptre in his left.
- The King of Hearts (Charlemagne) wears a cloak edged with a scarf-like pattern, while the fleur-de-lis (a symbol of the French monarch) is visible throughout.
- The King of Spades (the biblical David) wears a full-length, fur-lined robe. He holds a sword in one hand and in the other, an orb that signifies having the world in one’s hand.
The obverse features a repeating pattern of the four suit symbols and the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.

Each set comes with a FREE Royal Canadian Mint-branded set of playing cards! Together, this card-and-coin pairing reflects the popularity of card games, now and then.

HISTORICAL CURRENCY OF CANADA - PLAYING CARDS OF NEW FRANCE - 4-COIN SET - 2018 CANADIAN COINS is categorised COINS AND PAPER MONEY / 08- ROYAL CANADIAN MINT / 13- CANADIAN HISTORY and sold by l'Imaginaire, a store and specialised website.