Composition : 58.33% gold, 41.67% silver
Mintage : 1,250

The 1923 Shinplaster

In 1870, while waiting for new 25-cent silver coins to arrive from the Royal Mint in London, the Dominion of Canada issued a temporary "fractional" note. It wasn't longbefore people began calling it a "shinplaster" after the notes that American soldiers reputedly used to line their boots during the American Revolution.

"Will pay on demand" wasprinted on the front and "Redeemable on presentation at Montreal, Toronto or St. John" was printed on the back as a promise that made the note "as good as gold" and quickly instilled public confidence. In fact, this "temporary" issue was so popular that it remained in circulation for 65 years.

This fractional notewas redesigned in 1900 and received another update in 1923. For the third time, the patron goddess of early British Celtic tribes was maintained as the theme of its design. Whereas Britannia appeared on the right side of the note face in 1900, she appeared at the note's centre in 1923. An oval vignette focusing on her head and torso portrayed Britannia wearing a helmet and robe while holding a trident.

The seal from the Department of Finance located to Britannia's left was another element thatdistinguished this issue from its predecessors, however, the reference to the cities where the note could be redeemed that had been removedfrom the back in 1900 remained unchanged in 1923.

SHINPLASTER - 1923 SHINPLASTER, VIGNETTE OF BRITANNIA - 2007 CANADIAN COINS is categorised COINS AND PAPER MONEY / 08- ROYAL CANADIAN MINT / 04- 14-KARAT GOLD and sold by l'Imaginaire, a store and specialised website.