Lower Canada (Bas Canada) – Banque du Peuple “Un Sou” Token (c. 1837–1839) - VF+

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Lower Canada (Bas Canada) – Banque du Peuple “Un Sou” Token (c. 1837–1839) - VF+
CA$50.00 CA$35.00

This is a “Banque du Peuple” one sou token from Lower Canada (Bas Canada), issued around 1837–1839 — one of the most iconic pre-Confederation Canadian colonial tokens. These privately issued pieces circulated widely in Quebec (then Lower Canada) when small change was scarce. 

Obverse (Front)

Legend: “AGRICULTURE & COMMERCE – BAS CANADA”
Design:

  • A bouquet of agricultural plants — wheat, thistle, rose, and shamrock — symbolizing unity among English, Scottish, and Irish settlers, and the prosperity of commerce and agriculture.

  • The design was meant to express harmony and economic growth in Lower Canada.

Reverse (Back)

Legend: “BANQUE DU PEUPLE – MONTREAL”
Center Text: “UN SOU” (French for One Penny / One Sou)
Design:

  • Surrounded by a wreath of maple leaves, representing Canada.

  • A small ribbon or bow ties the wreath below.

Specifications:

  • Issuer: Banque du Peuple (Montreal, Lower Canada)

  • Date: Circa 1837–1839

  • Denomination: 1 Sou (equivalent to ½ Penny)

  • Composition: Copper

  • Diameter: 28 mm

  • Weight: ~7 grams

  • Edge: Plain or reeded (varies slightly by die variety)

  • Reference: Breton #527 / Charlton LC-9A

💴 Historical Background:

During the late 1830s, Canada faced a severe shortage of small coinage. In response, private institutions like Banque du Peuple in Montreal issued copper tokens for local use.

  • The Banque du Peuple was founded in 1835 by French-Canadian businessmen, and it became a symbol of economic independence during a period of social and political tension leading up to the Rebellions of 1837–1838.

  • These tokens were widely accepted and circulated until Confederation-era coinage standardized currency.