Money Talks | French Colonial Coinages

French Coinage Specifically for North America

with Sydney Martin, ANS President of the Board of Trustees

Saturday, April 13, 2019 | 1:00 – 4:00 pm
$30 for members, $50 for non-members

What many early American coin collectors fail to recognize is that, from early in the sixteenth century until 1763, New France included most of what is now the United States west of the Appalachians, as well as most of present Canada. As such, coins minted by France with the intent of circulating only its North American colonies should be considered “coin of the realm” within these geographies. Three emissions fall into this special category. The first is the Gloriam Regni coins of 1670 that were minted in Paris; the second is 6 and 12-denier copper coins minted in Perpignan during 1717; and the third is copper 9-denier coins minted during 1721 and 1722 at La Rochelle and Rouen.

Based on his original research, Mr. Martin—a specialist and significant collector of US Colonial American Coinage—will present the rich history behind these coins, a history touching on their use by early settlers and the role they played in the mercantilistic policies of France. He investigates how they were manufactured—from procurement of the planchets to preparation of the dies to striking the coins.

Examples of each of the types of the coins will be shown, and information as to varieties within the types will be addressed.  Rarities will be discussed.  Anyone interested in American and/or Canadian colonial coinages will find this talk to be of great value.

All talks are limited to 15 attendants. RSVP to Emma Pratte at membership@numismatics.org to reserve a spot.

Money Talks: Numismatic Conversations is supported by an ANS endowment fund generously given in honor of Mr. Vladimir Clain-Stefanelli and Mrs. Elvira Clain-Stefanelli.