$15 Sterling Silver Coin – Jack of Hearts (2008)
Shop
  • Shop
  • Silver
  • $15 Sterling Silver Coin – Jack of Hearts (2008)
Print this page

$15 Sterling Silver Coin – Jack of Hearts (2008)


Mintage 25,000
Canada and US only
Archived
$89.95 CAD
Not available in store
 

When coins were made of paper

First issue in a fascinating series!

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 after a famous figure, in this case one of Charles VII's generals. The inscription on the back of the card suggests the Jack of Hearts was valued at fifty livres.

In 17th-century New France, everything was in short supply - including coins. In a desperate move to keep his colony working, the governor issued playing cards bearing a written promise to pay 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 money first appeared in 1685.

Highlights
Unique rectangular coin shape echoes the form and design of 18th-century playing cards. Superb engraving, combined with colour and selective gold plating on the edge of the coin.

Read the full description

You may also like

Previous coins
Next coins

Call us at 1-800-267-1871 We are open 8a.m. - 8p.m. EST, Mon. to Fri.

Contact Us
Check out our FAQs

Shipping & returns

Visit the Mint

Learn

Customer Service

About the Mint

You can be assured that the Mint fully guarantees the superior quality and craftsmanship of its products. If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, you can simply return it to us in its original packaging within 30 days and we will gladly offer you a replacement (subject to product availability) or send you a full refund. In the case of a defective product, we will accept the return up to one year from the date of purchase.

McAfee SECURE sites help keep you safe from identity theft, credit card fraud, spyware, spam, viruses and online scams.
© 2016 - Royal Canadian Mint - All Rights Reserved