136) Banknotes and Coins of the Republic of Haiti: Gourdes and Centimes:

136) Banknotes and Coins of the Republic of Haiti: Gourdes and Centimes:

The monetary system of the Haiti or “Ayiti” is decimal based. The Gourde (in French) or “Goud” (in Haitian Creole) is the currency/primary unit of Haiti, subdivided into 100 centimes or “Satim” (in Haitian Creole).

About the Republic of Haiti or “ Republique d’Haiti” or “Repiblik Ayiti”:

The Caribbean Sea is enclosed by an arc of many hundreds of islands, islets and offshore reefs.

From 1492, Spain, France and Britain have claimed the islands as their colonies. Most of the original inhabitants of these islands have been wiped out by disease and a varied mix of people – of African, Asian and European descent make up their population. The islands are formed from two main mountain chains: the Greater Antilles which run from west to east and the lesser Antilles, which run from North to South. The mountains are now submerged under the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea and only the highest peaks form these islands.

The three largest islands of the Caribbean are situated in the Northern-most part i.e. south of Florida and the Bahamas.

Of these, Spanish-speaking Cuba is the largest and most westerly of the group. To the East  lies the island of Hispaniola –  located in the Greater Antillean Archipelago (Remember Hispaniola was also the name of the treasure island seeking expeditionary ship from the all time classic “Treasure Island”),  one-third of the west constitutes the French-speaking Republic of Haiti and the remaining two-thirds  the Spanish-speaking Dominican Republic. Haiti thus, occupies the western smaller portion of the island of Hispaniola or “Little Spain” which was claimed by Columbus and colonized by the Spanish.

South of Cuba lie Jamaica and the Cayman Islands.

Haiti or Ayiti means the “Land of the High Mountains” and is the indigenous “Taino” name for the island. In French, the country is called “La Perle des Antilles” (meaning “The Pearl of the Antilles”) because of its natural beauty. It is the third largest Caribbean nation after Cuba and the Dominican Republic. Port-au-Prince is the capital city and French and Haitian Creole are the official languages.

In the early 17^th century the western district was taken over by French pirates and privateers from the Spanish who ceded it to the French in 1697.

The coffee and sugar plantations worked upon by slaves imported from Africa made Saint Domingue one of France’s richest colonies, but a slave Revolt which developed into a Nationalist Revolt led to the creation of the Republic of Haiti in 1804.

Haiti is a popular destination for tourists and receives around 100000 tourists annually generating over USD250 million through tourism alone. The Haitian Carnival is one of the most popular in the Caribbean and is held in different cities of Haiti every year.

Today, Haiti is the oldest Republic in the western hemisphere.

The Haitian Revolution (1791-1804):

This revolution began as a “slave revolt” in the French colony of Saint-Dominigue and ended in elimination of slavery and establishing a free and independent country – the Republic of Haiti. This is the only example in World history in which erst-while slaves succeeded in their goal to eliminate slavery and establishing a Free State. The Commanders/leaders on the Haitian side were Toussaint L’Ouverture, Jean-Jacques Dessalines, Francois Capois, Alexander Petion and Henri Christophe. 

The Haitians raised a regular army of 55000 troops and had about 100000 irregulars fighting for them, as against a regular French and Polish army comprising 60000 troops. The Commanders and leaders on the French side were Napoleon Bonaparte, Charles Leclerc and Vicomte de Rochambeau. The rebellion/Nationalist Movement commenced in August 1791, and ended in 1804 with the comprehensive French defeat at the battle of Vertieres in November 1803, in which Francois Capois, the Nationalist assault commander acquitted himself with extreme valour, earning the admiration of the French General Rochambeau and the French troops defending  the Fort at Vertieres. 

More than 57000 French and Polish troops died in the Revolution, including 18 generals, as well as 25000 French civilians, in French invasions to retake the colony. On the Haitian’s side there estimates of over 100000 casualties.

The Bank of the Republic of Haiti or “Banque de la Republique d’Haiti” (in French):

The Bank of the Republic of Haiti or “Banque de la Republique d’Haiti” (BRH) is the Central Bank of Haiti.

Historically, in October 1910, permission was granted to a consortium of French, German and American businessmen to set up a new Bank which commenced operations, which, in 1916, was designated as the National Bank of the Republic of Haiti or “Banque Nationale de la Republique d’Haiti” (BNRH).

In 1979, BNRH was split into two financial institutions – the National Bank of Credit or “Banque Nationale de Credit” (BNC) and the Bank of the Republic of Haiti or “Banque de la Republique d’Haiti” (BRH).

Banknotes of the First Gourde (1813-1870):

The Gourde was first introduced in 1813 after replacing the French “Livre” at an exchange rate of 1 Gourde to 8 livres and 5 sous. The denominations of Banknotes issued during this period consisted of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 25, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 Gourdes.

Banknotes of the Second Gourde (1870-1872):

In 1870, a second Series of Gourde Banknotes were issued when the Gourde was revalued at an exchange rate of ten First Series (old) Gourdes to one Second Series (new) Gourde. Only two denominations of Banknotes were issued under this Series – 10 Gourdes and 25 Gourdes.

Banknotes of the Third Gourde (1872 –onwards):

In 1872, the Gourde was revalued at an exchange rate of three hundred Second Series (old) Gourdes to one Third Series (new) Gourde.

Under this Series only Banknotes were issued initially.

In 1875, some of the issues were called “paistre” (a French coin used all over French colonies including in Indo-China), instead of Gourde. The denominations of Banknotes issued during this year were 25 centimes, 1 and 5 paistres.

By 1876, Banknotes were issued in the several denominations ranging from 10 centimes to 5 gourdes.

In 1881, the Gourde was linked to the French Franc at an exchange rate of five French francs to 1 Gourde. In the same year coin production also commenced.

In 1912, the Gourde was pegged to the US dollar at an exchange rate of 5 Gourdes to a US dollar (The Creole speakers refer to the dollar as “Dola Ameriken” or “Dola US”). As a result the Gourde was often referred to as the “Haitian dollar” and on several occasions one finds prices being quoted in Haitian dollars for the sake of convenience and not in Gourdes.

In 1916, the National Bank of the Republic of Haiti took over the functions of supervision, issue and circulation of Banknotes.

In 1920, 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 Gourdes Banknotes were issued.

In 1925, 50 and 100 Gourdes Banknotes were circulated.

In the 1970s 25, 250 and 500 Gourdes Banknotes were circulated.

In 1979, the Bank of the Republic of Haiti replaced the National bank of the Republic of Haiti as the paper money issuing authority.

In 1999, 1000 Gourdes Banknotes were circulated to commemorate the 250^th year of the founding of Port-au-Prince, the capital city of Haiti.

In 2001, 20 Gourdes Banknotes were put into circulation both as commemorative issues (to commemorate the Bicentennial of the Constitution of Toussaint I’Ouverture), as well as regular issues.

In 2004, the Banque de la Republique d’Haiti issued a Series of Banknotes to commemorate the Bicentennial of the Independence of Haiti.

Banknotes of the Haitian Gourde – presently in circulation:

Presently circulating Banknotes in general highlight the sacrifices and achievements of the key figures of the Haitian Revolution and those who helped shape the destiny of Haiti thereafter.

The Front of the 10 Gourdes Banknote depicts Catherine Flon Arcahaie sewing the first flag of Haiti in 1803.

Catherine Flon Arcahaie: She is regarded as one of the symbols of the Haitian Revolution and subsequent Independence. She is credited with having sewn the first Haitian flag on 18.05.1803 on the last day of the Congress of Arcahaie. She was the granddaughter of Jean-Jacques Dessalines.  She was one of the three most symbolic heroines of the Haitian Independence (the others being Cecile Fatiman and Dedee Bazile).

The Back of the 10 Gourdes Banknote depicts the Coat of Arms of Haiti. This Banknote was first issued in 2000.

The Front of the 20 Gourdes Banknote shows a portrait of Francois-Dominique Toussaint L’Ouverture. On the top of the Banknote is mentioned the name of the issuing Bank “Banque De La Republique D’Haiti” (meaning Bank of the Republic of Haiti. In the bifurcated watermark is embossed the Constitution of Haiti on the left side and the bicentenary celebration years of the First Constitution of Haiti “1801-2001” are embosseded on the right side. The denomination of the Banknote is mentioned as “VINGT GOURDES” (meaning twenty Gourdes). Below this is mentioned “CE BILLET EMIS CONFORMEMENT A LA CONSTITUTION OF DE LA REPUBLIQUE D’HAITI”. The year of issue is mentioned as “ANNEE 2001”. On the bottom periphery is mentioned “BICENTENAIRE DE LA CONSTITUTION DE 1801”.

This Banknote was issued both as a Commemorative as well as a Circulating Banknote.

(Francois-Dominque Toussaint L’Ouverture (20.05.1743 – 07.04.1803): He was a leader in the Haitian Revolution, nicknamed “The Black Napoleon”. His military skillfulness and political acumen was largely instrumental in transforming a society of slaves into a formidable fighting machine which ultimately led to the creation of the independent country of Haiti and shook the institution of slavery all over the New World. Starting his military career as a leader in the 1791 slave revolt in the French colony of Saint Domingue he initially sided with Spain who held the nearby colony of Santo Domingo and, later with the French, when they abolished slavery.

Gradually, he controlled the whole island through his military genius. He worked to improve the economy and security of Saint Domingue and restored the plantation system using paid labour and negotiated trade treaties with Britain and the United States and maintained a large and well disciplined army.

In 1801, he put in place a constitution for the colony with himself as the Governor for life. In 1802, he was taken prisoner by deceit by French forces of Napoleon Bonaparte sent to restore French domination over the colony. He was sent to France and died in prison in 1803. He famously said to his captors that “in overthrowing me you have cut down in Saint Dominigue only the trunk of the tree of liberty; it will spring up again from the roots, for they were many and they are deep”.

His words proved prophetic, because, the revolution that he had started was taken over by his protégé Jean-Jacques Dessalines who continued to defend the island’s freedom. The French lost two thirds of their invading troops and in 1804, Haiti declared its Independence as a free country.  

The Back of the 20 Gourdes Banknote shows an open page of the Constitution of Haiti. This Banknote was first issued in 2001. Both as a Commemorative Banknote as well as a circulation Banknote.

The Constitution of Haiti or “Constitution d’Ayiti”: In all 23 constitutions have been issued throughout Haiti, the first one having been promulgated  during the tenure of Governor-General Toussaint L’Ouverture in 1801. The salient feature of this constitution was that Toussaint was made Governor for life. This constitution abolished slavery and racial restrictions on employment, but upheld fermage, leases, and restrictions on movement. Estates abandoned by their owners during the Revolution were to be held and operated in trust by the government, but were not nationalized. The constitution banned free assembly, all religions other than Catholicism, divorce and any imports in competition with the local products.

The latest constitution has been promulgated in 2012. It legalises dual citizenship, allows Haitians living abroad to own land and run for Haitian political office (except for offices of President, Prime Minister, senator or member of the lower House of Parliament). It allows setting up of a permanent constitutional court to resolve disputes between Parliament and the executive and 30% jobs to be held by women.

The Front of the 25 Gourdes Banknote shows the Palace of Justice located in in Port-Au-Prince, the National capital.

The Back of the 25 Gourdes Banknote shows the Coat of Arms of Haiti.                      This Banknote was put into circulation in 2000.

The Front of the 50 Gourdes Banknote shows a portrait of Lysius Felicite Salomon Jeune.

Lysius Etienne Felicite Salomon (30.06.1815-19.10.1888): He was the President of Haiti from 1879 to 1888. He was instrumental in setting up Haiti’s first postal system and for modernizing the country. Nevertheless, his tenure was riddled with several rebellions and scandals and clandestine efforts to overthrow his regime due to his autocratic methods. By 1887, most of Haiti including Port-au-Prince was up in arms against his tyrannical system of the Republic. His officials withdrew support to him and by 1888, he left for Paris, a broken man, passing away in the same year.

The Back of the 50 Gourdes Banknote shows the Coat of Arms of Haiti.                      This Banknote was put into circulation in 2000. 

The Front of 100 Gourdes Banknote shows a portrait of Henri Christophe (President of Northern Haiti, later King Henri I of Haiti).

Henri Christophe (or Henry Christopher), President of Northern Haiti, later King Henri I of Haiti (06.10.1767 – 08.10.1820):  He was a former slave and a key leader in the Haitian Revolution which succeeded in gaining independence from France in 1804. In 1805, he served under Jean-Jacques Dessalines in the invasion of Santo Domingo (now Dominican Republic) against the French forces and killed hundreds of Dominicans including prisoners. Following Dessalines’s assassination on 17.10.1806, he wanted absolute power as opposed to Alexandre Petion who championed democracy.

 The Nation stood divided, with Christophe going to North Haiti and establishing an autocracy, declaring the region as the State of Haiti. He became the President of the State of Haiti (from 17.02.1807 – 28.03.1811) and later became King of Northern kingdom of Haiti (from 28.03.1811 – 08.10.1820) as Henry I, King of Haiti, while Petion was elected President of the Southern Republic of Haiti. He is remembered for constructing the Citadelle Laferriere, the Sans-Souci Palace, Henri Citadel in Milot and several other palaces. Under his unpopular policies of “corvee” or forced labour, the Kingdom earned revenues from agricultural produce, mainly sugar. He reached such a level of unpopularity that he was driven to suicide. His son Jacques-Victor Henry who was the heir apparent was assassinated and General Jean-Pierre Boyer took over the reigns of Government and reunited the two divided parts of Haiti.

The Back of the 100 Gourdes Banknote depicts the Coat of Arms of Haiti. This Banknote was issued in 2000.         

The Front of the 250 Gourdes Banknote shows a portrait of Jean-Jacques Dessalines (Emperor Jacques I of Haiti).

Jean-Jacques Dessalines (20.09.1758- 17.10.1806): He was a leader of the Haitian Revolution and the first ruler of an independent Haiti under the 1801 constitution. Initially he served in the French army when the colony was staving off English and Spanish attacks. Himself having been born in slavery, he became a commander in the “slave revolt” – also called the “Nationalist Forces” (this revolt, later developed into the Haitian Revolt against France, in the first ever slave revolt in World history which successfully resulted in establishing an independent nation) and served under Toussaint L’Ouverture and had many successes to his credit including in the Battle of Crete-a-Pierrot.  After the betrayal & capture of Toussaint L’Ouverture in 1802, he headed the Revolution and defeated Napoleon’s forces at the Battle of Vertieres in 1803. He was initially elected as a Governor-General, and ordered the massacre of the white Haitian minority in 1804, leading to the killing of three to five thousand persons. Later in September 1804, he assumed the title of Emperor Jacques I of Haiti, which position he held from 1804 to 1806. He declared Haiti as an all-black nation and forbade whites from owning any property there. He got the sugar industry & plantations running through a harsh regimen of forced labour – and not slavery, making it compulsory for all blacks to either work as soldiers (to protect the nation) or plantation & industry workers (to keep the economy rolling). Dissent brewed against his “slave-like” dictatorial policies and people from his own administration including Alexandre Petion and Henri Christophe conspired for his overthrow. He met a brutal end when he was killed savagely by a mob of his own men near Port-au-Prince on 17.10.1806 and his remains desecrated in the Government Square. Nevertheless, despite the hatred of the Haitians for his autocratic policies, he was reinstated as the icon of Haitian nationalism towards the beginning of the 20^th century. The national anthem of Haiti, “Le Dessalinienne” was penned in his honour and the city of Dessalines was named after him.

The Back of the 250 Gourdes Banknote shows the Coat of Arms of Haiti. This Banknote was issued in 2000.

The Front of the 500 Gourdes Banknote shows Alexandre Sabes Petion, President of Southern Haiti.

(Alexandre Sabes Petion (02.04.1770-29.03.1818), President of Southern Haiti: He was the first President of the Republic of Haiti from 1807 to 1818. He is considered to be one of Haiti’s founding fathers together with Toussaint L’Overture, Jean-Jacques Dessalines and Henri Christophe. Initially, he allied himself with the French forces fighting against the “slave rebellion/revolt” and helped push back/suppress the rebels, but upon the deportation of Toussaint L’Ouverture, he joined the “Nationalist Forces” in October 1802, following a secret meeting with Jean-Jacques Dessalines. His forces helped the Nationalists capture Port-au-Prince, the capital on 17.10.1803 and Haiti was proclaimed an Independent nation on 01.01.1804 by Dessalines who proclaimed himself as Emperor.

Following Dessalines assassination, on 17.10.1806, Petion championed democracy as opposed to Henri Christophe who wanted absolute power. The Nation stood divided, with Christophe going to North Haiti and establishing an autocracy declaring the region as the State of Haiti and, later, becoming King of Northern kingdom of Haiti, while Petion was elected President of the Southern Republic of Haiti, where he got himself declared President for life.

The loyalties of the country stood divided between the two, with the struggle between the blacks and mulattoes of the North and South being revived. Through popular policies, Petion supported the oppressed and seized the commercial plantations, from the rich gentry. He also, laid stress on education.

The Back of the 500 Gourdes Banknote shows the Coat of Arms of Haiti. This Banknote was issued in 2000.

The Front of the 1000 Gourdes Banknote shows a portrait of President Florvil Hyppolite.

Louis Mondestin Florvil Hyppolite (1828-1896): He was the President of Haiti from 17.10.1889 to 24.03.1896. He was a career soldier and rose to the position of General. He was the 16^th President of Haiti. He died of a heart attack while in office when he had gone to the city of Jacmel to pacify a civilian revolt. 

The Back of the 1000 Gourdes Banknote shows the Oriental style Marche Valliere (The Iron Market). The Iron Market was devastated in an earthquake and has been rebuilt. This Banknote was circulated in 1999.

“Bicentennial of Haiti” Commemorative Series Banknotes issued in 2004):

In 2004, Haiti celebrated the bicentennial of its Independence from the French. Commemorative Banknotes were issued highlighting on the Front, the sacrifices and achievements of the key figures of the Haitian Revolution and those who helped shape the destiny of Haiti thereafter. On the Back, the theme was generally that of various forts which had gained prominence during the Slave Revolt/Nationalist War.

The Front of the 10 Gourdes (Dix Gourdes or Dis Goud) Banknote carries a portrait of Sanite Belair.

Suzanne Belair or Sanite Belair (1781-1805): She was a Haitian Freedom fighter and Revolutionary sergeant in the army of Toussaint L’ Ouverture. She along with her husband General Charles Belair were taken captive by General Charles Leclerc leading the French troops sent to recapture the lost colony in Haiti. Both of them were sentenced to death. Charles was executed by a firing squad and she was sentenced to decapitation. Charles, before his execution, asked her to die bravely. She went to her own execution calmly, refusing to wear a blindfold. She is one of the most prominent martyrs of the Haitian Revolution.

The Back of the 10 Gourdes Banknote shows an image of Fort Cap Rouge (Jacmel).

The Front of the 25 Gourdes (Vingt-Cinq gourdes or Vennsenk Goud) Banknote shows a portrait of General Nicolas Geffrard (Governor of Southern Haiti).

Nicolas Geffrard (1762-1806): He was a Haitian musician well known for having composed “La Dessalinienne”, the Haitian National Anthem which was adopted at the time Haiti was celebrating the centenary of its Independence.

 The Back of the 25 gourdes Banknote depicts Des Platons fortress (Dussis).

The Front of the 50 gourdes (Cinquante Gourdes or Senkant Goud) Banknote shows a portrait of Francois Capois. On top of this Banknote is mentioned ‘BICENTENAIRE DE L’INDEPENDENCE D’HAITI” (in French) and “BIANTNE ENDEPANDANS DAITI” (in Haitian Creole). The Bicentenary years “1804-2004” are mentioned. The denomination of the Banknote is mentioned as “Cinquante Gourdes” or “Senkant Goud” (both in French & Haitian Creole).

Francois Capois or Capois-La-Mort (“The Death”) or Cappoix-la-Mort(1766 -19.10.1806): He was a Haitian rebel slave. His name originated from “cappouet” (meaning “owner of the habitation”). He began his military career when Toussaint L Ouverture was exhorting men to fight in the Nationalist Movement.

He participated under General Jacques Maurepas and Jean-Jacques Dessalines against all the expeditions and invasions in the North East area of the Island. Known for his bravery in battle and never to be discouraged by initial reverse in battle, he overcame heavy French defences and was instrumental in capturing take Port-de-Paix and Tortuga in April 1803, which the French never recaptured again.

His exploits in the Battle of Vertieres in November 1803 are legendary. Under orders to capture the French Fort at Vertieres, he advanced with his troops which were held back and terribly mutilated by cannon fire from the Fort. Nevertheless, he advanced again and again with fresh reinforcements, only to be driven back by the French artillery. On the fourth advance, he egged on his men by shouting “Forward!! Forward!!” only to find his horse being killed by a cannon ball. Getting up, he advanced on foot at the head of his troops, only to find his plumed cap being blown away by a shot. Hatless, he threw himself into the assault without caring for his own safety. Momentarily the firing from the Fort ceased and General Rochambeau, the Commander of the French garrison and his men shouted “Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!”. A French staff officer mounted on his horse came out to greet Capois-la-Mort shouting “General Rochambeau sends compliments to the General who has covered himself with such glory!”. Then he saluted the nearby Haitian troops, returned to the Fort and the fighting resumed.

 The next day a French Officer came out of the Fort with a caparisoned horse for Capois, sent as a gift from Rochambeau as a mark of admiration to the “black Achilles”, to replace the one that the French Army “regretted to have killed”.

On the Back of the 50 Gourdes Banknote is an image of Fort Jalousiere (Marmelade).

On the Front of the 100 gourdes (Cent Gourdes or San Goud) Banknote is a portrait of Henri Christophe, President of Northern Haiti, later King Henri I of Haiti. On top of this Banknote is mentioned ‘BICENTENAIRE DE L’INDEPENDENCE D’HAITI” (in French) and “BIANTNE ENDEPANDANS DAITI” (in Haitian Creole). The Bicentenary years “1804-2004” are mentioned. The denomination of the Banknote is mentioned as “Cent  Gourdes” or “San Goud” (both in French & Haitian Creole).

On the Back of the 100 Gourdes Banknote is shown Henry Citadel (Milot).

On the Front of the 250 Gourdes (Deux Cent Cinquante Gourdes or Desan Senkant Goud) Banknote is shown a portrait of Jean-Jacques Dessalines (Emperor Jacques I of Haiti). On top of this Banknote is mentioned ‘BICENTENAIRE DE L’INDEPENDENCE D’HAITI” (in French) and “BIANTNE ENDEPANDANS DAITI” (in Haitian Creole). The Bicentenary years “1804-2004” are mentioned. The denomination of the Banknote is mentioned as “Deux Cent Cinquante Gourdes” or “San Goud” (both in French & Haitian Creole).

On the Back of the 250 Gourdes Banknote is shown an image of Fort Decide (Marchand).

On the Front of the 500 Gourdes (Cinq Cent Gourdes or Senksan Goud) Banknote is shown a portrait of Alexandre Sabes Petion (President of Souther Haiti)

On the Back of the 500 Gourdes Banknote is shown an image of Fort Jacques (Fermathe).

Coinage of Haiti:

In the 18^th century, countermarked French, Spanish and Portuguese coins circulated followed by a local coinage denominated in “escalins”.

In 1807, coins denominated in deniers and sous were introduced.

In 1813 The Gourde was first introduced after replacing the French “Livre” at an exchange rate of 1 Gourde to 8 livres and 5 sous.

The first Haitian coins were in the denominations of 2, 6, and 12 centimes silver issues.

In 1827, 50 and 100 centimes coins were circulated.

In 1828, 1 and 2 centimes coins were issued.

In 1846 and 1850, 6 and 6 ¼ centimes coins were issued.

In 1863, bronze coins minted by the Heaton mint at Birmingham UK (mint mark “H” – this mint has also issued a one-rupee coin in 1985 for India) were issued in the denominations of 5, 10 and 20 centimes.

In 1881, coins in the denominations of 1, 2, 10, 20 and 50 centimes and 1 gourde were circulated. Circulating coins have the Coat of Arms on obverse and Liberty (1881-94) on the reverse.

In 1889, 5 centimes coins were circulated.

By mid-1890s, minting of 1, and 2 centimes and 1 Gourde coins was stopped.

From 1908 to 1949, minting of all coins was stopped.

From 1949 5 and 10 centimes coins were again circulated.

In 1956, 20 centimes coins were issued.

In 1972, 50 centimes coins were reissued.

In 1995, 1 and 5 Gourde coins were circulated.

Presently circulating coins have the Coat of Arms on obverse and profiles of historic figures on the reverse.

At present, the circulating coins which are legal tender include 5, 10, 20, and 50 Centimes and 1 and 5 Gourdes. However, owing to inflationary pressures, the majority of the coins used in Haiti are 50 centimes, 1 Gourde and 5 Gourdes. Circulating coins are nickel or brass plated steel.

Like the one Gourde is nicknamed the “Haitian dollar”, 5 centimes is nicknamed as a “Haitian penny”.

Commemorative coins: From 1971 onwards Haiti has also issued several gold and silver commemorative coins.

Coat of Arms of Haiti:

In 1807, the first Coat of Arms was introduced in Haiti.

In 1964, it underwent a revision during the Duvalier era, which Coat of Arms stayed in use till 1986.

Since 1986, the present Coat of Arms has been in use.

The Arms shows six draped flags of Haiti, three apiece, located to the left and right sides of a palm tree, two cannons each with a heap of cannon balls again facing left and right, a drum at the base of the palm tree, which has two battle axes on either side along with two bugles placed upside down on a green lawn.

These images represent symbols of the long war fought for attaining the freedom of Haiti fought by the Nationalists. Also seen on the emblem are three muskets with bayonets fixed on either side of the palm tree. The inverted bugles are a tribute to all those who had fallen in the Haitian Revolution. The palm tree represents the Plantations which are the main source of income for the Haitian economy. On the far left and right sides of the lawn are a ship’s anchor each, together with a buoy on either side, topped with red fluttering flags. These symbolize the ocean which forms a basis of Haitian trade, tourism and fishing initiatives. On the lawn below the drum & the bugles are two pieces of broken chains symbolizing freedom for the citizens from any kind of bondage. The palm tree is topped by a “Phrygian cap” representing freedom. (It is like the Liberty Cap found on Mexican silver pesos struck in the late 1800s and early 1900s). The Arms represent the hard fought battle fought for Haiti’s Independence and the Nation’s resolve to defend the country’s hard won freedom at any cost both on land and on water and its economic interests.

A ribbon forms the lower border of the emblem which bears a motto “L’Union Fait La Force” (This motto is in French meaning (“Unity is Strength”).

(These Banknotes have been collected from Haiti by Ajit George for my collection which has facilitated this post.The 25 Gourde Banknote is from the collection of Jayant Biswas. Banknotes scanned & article researched and written by Rajeev Prasad).