Trader's Currency Token of the Magdalen Islands
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The Magdalen Islands had only one coin - a 1 Penny token issued in 1815 by Admiral Sir Isaac Coffin.
The obverse of the coin depicts a seal on an ice floe. It is inscribed 'MAGDALEN ISLAND TOKEN 1815'. The reverse of the coin depicts two gutted fish similar to that depicted on 1/2d. tokens from Prince Edward Island. The reverse inscription is 'SUCCESS TO THE FISHERIES', which refers to the fishing industry essential to the islands' economy.
This coin is very sought after by collectors of British Empire coins, not just those of Canada, as this piece is very rare.
After the American Revolution, the Magdalen Islands were granted to Sir Isaac Coffin, who only once visited his American possessions; this was in 1815. Before starting, he ordered a large number of these coins and a coining press from Sir Edward Thomason, of Birmington. These, he brought to the Islands, where the coins were distributed. It was originally intended to strike half-pennies also, but none were struck.
The Musé de la Mer in Amherst, Magdalen Islands has one or two of these coins on display. There is a photograph of one of the coins at the Council of Anglophone Magdalen Islanders or C.A.M.I. of Old Harry, Magdalen Islands.
The Musé de la Mer in Amherst, Magdalen Islands has one or two of these coins on display. There is a photograph of one of the coins at the Council of Anglophone Magdalen Islanders or C.A.M.I. of Old Harry, Magdalen Islands.
