Montreal 1837 Un Sou Bouquet - Banque du Peuple, Rebellion

Country: Montreal, Canadian provinces
(Bas-Canada)
Type: Token (Rare)
Year: (1837)
Mintage: 12,000
Value: 1 Sou = 1/480 Pound (1/480)
Currency: Pound
Composition: Copper
Weight: 8.7 g
Diameter: 27 mm
Thickness: 1.8 mm
Grade: XF/VF
Shape: Round
Orientation: Coin alignment 
Demonetized: Yes
References: KM# Tn3; CCT# LC-4A2, Breton# 716

Obverse:
Bouquet of wheat, thistles, rosebud, maple leaf, etc. surrounded by lettering.

Lettering:
*AGRICULTURE & COMMERCE*
BAS-CANADA

Engraver: Joseph Arnault

Reverse:
Value surrounded by maple leaves with lettering top and bottom.

Lettering:
BANQUE DU PEUPLE
UN SOU
MONTREAL

Engraver: Joseph Arnault

Edge:
Reeded

Comments:
Weight:  7.0 - 9.0g
Diameter:  27.2 - 28.1mm

LC-4A1  Medal axis.
LC-4A2  Coin axis.

The Banque du Peuple was organized in 1835 by reformists (including French and Scottish) whom were excluded from the Tory (conservatives) dominated Bank of Montreal's board of directors.  They operated as a private bank; Viger, DeWitt & Cie., until it was granted a charter in 1844 and remained in business until 1895.  This token is the famous "Rebellion Sou" as it was believed that the "star and liberty cap" were added to the design at the instigation of bank personnel who sympathized with the rebel cause.  All the bank's directors were real or suspected rebels in late 1837 and warrants were issued for their arrest.

Found on thin and thick flans.
Minor variation: the "B" of BAS forms a "P" due to die wear

Referenz : KM# Tn3; CCT# LC-4A2, Breton# 716

Quelle : https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces8...

Sammlung : Canada - Monnaies et Tokens