Montreal 1838 Un Sou Bouquet - Banque du Peuple, Rebellion (ex.3)

Country: Montreal, Canadian provinces, Canada
(Bas-Canada)
Type: Token (Scarce)
Year: (1838)
Mintage: 84,000
Value: 1 Sou = 1/480 Pound (1/480)
Currency: Pound
Composition: Copper
Weight: 8.3 g
Diameter: 27 mm
Thickness: 2 mm
Grade: VF/XF
Shape: Round
Orientation: Medal alignment 
Demonetized: Yes
References: CCT# LC-5A1, KM# Tn4, Breton# 715

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

(Open crown - Big buckle - Three Shamocks)

Lettering:
AGRICULTURE & COMMERCE
BAS CANADA

Engraver: Joseph Arnault

Reverse:
Value in center of a oak leaves crown.

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. 

(Around 84,000 coins were mint in Belleville in New Jersey.)

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

Referencia : CCT# LC-5A, KM# Tn4, Breton# 715

Fuente : https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces2...

Colección : Canada - Monnaies et Tokens