Paul engages the competition
When we left our Chief Curator, he was sitting in a Montréal auction room politely observing a fast sale of some very old French Canadian money. The bidding so far seemed low. He was feeling confident about his upcoming bids, but then he wasn’t the only person interested in those lots…
It’s the auctioneer’s job to get as high a price for an article possible.
The next lot, #13, a 24 livres card dated 1730, was the largest and most impressive piece of card money in the auction. After spirited bidding, it sold, for $28,000. This was quite a difference from the previous lot, but no matter, we already have an example in the National Currency Collection. What caused me grief, however, was that the underbidder of lot #13 became my competition for the next lot.
Several parties were bidding on lot #14 until it reached $10,000, at which point the contest was only between me and the gentleman who had underbid the previous lot. Holding our bidder numbers close to our chests we each looked toward the auctioneer as he called out bids in increments of $1,000. I nodded and the auctioneer cried, “Eleven thousand, onze mille,” followed immediately by “Twelve thousand, I have twelve thousand behind you sir.” I bid, “Thirteen thousand…” a pause. I thought, “Perhaps he dropped out.” “Fourteen thousand, quatorze mille.” “Damn, he didn’t.” I nodded again. “Fifteen thousand, quinze mille.” And then “Sixteen thousand.” I thought, “How high will he go? One last bid.” I nodded again and the auctioneer cried, “Seventeen thousand, dix-sept mille.” Then I heard the fateful words: “Eighteen thousand!” I thought, “That’s it. I’m out!” The auctioneer continued, “Eighteen thousand, I have eighteen thousand once, dix-huit mille deux fois.” The auctioneer paused as he surveyed the floor for more bids. “SOLD at eighteen-thousand!”
The audience clapped in appreciation. I sat still and waited for the next lot. This, though, was the only defeat I suffered. Over the next 15 or so minutes I spent in excess of $20,000—purchasing four unique pieces of early Canadian paper money.
My purchases for the day included three rare pieces of French regime paper money and one unique piece of scrip issued by the Montréal post office. The French regime notes rarely appear on the market and are among Canada’s earliest paper money. The card for 12 livres was part of a series initiated in 1683 when the colonial government lacked sufficient funds to pay their troops.
The two later instruments, dated 1753 and 1759, respectively, are called billets d’ordonnance and were distributed during the ongoing wars between England and France. The large numbers issued and subsequently left unredeemed after 1760 led to a general mistrust of paper money in Canada that lasted until the 19th century.
The 15 pence note from the post office is only the second known to exist. The other, for 6 pence, is in the National Currency Collection. These notes were issued during the financial crisis of 1837 when the banks in Lower Canada ceased redeeming their notes in gold or silver. People hoarded coinage, and merchants were forced to issue bons, or private paper notes, to conduct business.
Having finished bidding and eager to return to Ottawa to spend time with my family, I hurried out of the sale room. On Saturday afternoon the bus leaves Montréal for Ottawa every hour on the hour. By the time I reached the wicket the attendant would only sell me a ticket for the 3 o’clock bus. I took it and headed for Gate 18, arriving just in time to see the 2 o’clock bus backing out of the bay. Over the next hour I read, rested and was accosted by a man who offered to sell me his jacket for $70 to buy a ticket. A one-way ticket to Ottawa costs $40. In any event, I finally boarded the bus, arrived at the Ottawa station before 6:00 and caught a cab home.
Saturday, 14 May 2016 was no longer than any other day, but it felt as if I had accomplished more than usual. I had travelled over 250 miles, visited one of Canada’s great cities and spent loads of money (thankfully not my own) on four excessively rare notes that now can be shared with all Canadians. All in all not a bad day! What’s on for tomorrow?
The Museum Blog
A checkup on cheques
By: David Bergeron
With the continuing rise of e-transfers and electronic payments, people have been predicting the death of the humble cheque for decades. But it hasn’t happened yet.
The Scenes of Canada series $100 bill
By: Graham Iddon
Few of us ever get a chance to see a Scenes of Canada $100 bill. Which is a pity, because it is an example of great bank note design with even greater imagery by a master engraver.
Caring for your bank notes
By: Graham Iddon
Collecting paper money seems simple enough. But, paper is delicate stuff and demands a gentle touch.
Teaching math using money
By: Jonathan Jerome
From skip counting to making change, working with money is a great way for students to practice math skills.
Caring for your coins
By: Graham Iddon
Coin collecting can be a fun and fascinating hobby. But there are a few things you should know to keep your collection safe and in good condition. Because coins aren’t as robust as you might imagine.
Security is in the bank note
By: Graham Iddon
Security printing is a game of anticipating and responding to criminal threats. Counterfeiting is a game of anticipating and responding to bank note design. This cat and mouse relationship affects every aspect of a bank note.
Teaching art with currency
By: Adam Young
From design to final product, bank notes and coins can be used to explore and teach art, media and process.
New Acquisitions—2022 Edition
It’s a new year—the perfect time to look back at some notable artifacts the Museum added to the National Currency collection from 2022. Each object has a unique story to tell about Canada’s monetary and economic history.