Early Paper Money of America / La Louisiane / 1722-1723 Compagnie des Indies Billets de Cartes

Early Paper Money of America (NNP Edition)|

[No examples of the following seven French paper money issues have been located. These are known only through the research and writing of those who have examined the remaining original archives. Much of the data is incomplete, unexplained, and confusing. Printing was not available in New Orleans until 1764 and thus whether prior issues were printed in France in whole or in part, or whether scribes wrote them is an open question. Similarly, the size of the individual pieces is unknown and the means and extent of their circulation is unknown. Without examples of the paper money itself the comments, which follow, are subject to challenge. Nevertheless, an attempt is made to present this elusive subject rather than to omit it as its inclusion may stimulate further findings.]

Card money of the Compagnie des Indies was issued to redeem storehouse orders, following the practice in Canada. Its denominations ranged from 5 sous to 50 livres. The shape was tied into the denomination so that illiterates could more readily use it. The cards bore two signatures.