Lot 2356

Description

Haiti, King Henri, unofficial pattern crown, dated 1811, laureate head bust left, by Donald R. Golder, proofs in 925 silver, copper, aluminium bronze and gold-plated copper. FDC. (120)

The history of the Haitian state dates from a slave revolt against French colonial rule in 1791. Henri Christophe, a northern Haitian, became king in 1811 after protracted turmoil. With his nation bankrupt and without a national currency, Henri decided to create one by seizing assets and then acquiring gold. The 'gourde', named after a native plant, was developed and remains the official name of Haitian currency today. Total mintage 975 (four coin) sets.