Scarce and Rare Enameled Beautiful Set. Queen of Spades, Jack of Hearts, 10 of Spades, King of Hearts. Investment grade Silver COIN SET. Four coins make up this set. Jack of Hearts (2008). Queen of Spades (2008). Ten of Spades (2009). King of Hearts (2009). The name G DE PARIS that appears across the bottom is likely the name of the original artist, while the name LAHIRE is believed to reflect the 15th-century custom of naming each jack aftera famous figure, in this case one of Charles VII’s generals. The inscription on the back of thecard suggests the Jack of Hearts was valued at fifty livres. In 17th-century New France, everything was in short supply – including coins. In 1729, authorities began using plain card stock, which circulated like modern bank notes, until New France fell to the British in 159-some 75 years after this unique form of moneyfirst appeared in 1685. The name G DE PARIS that appears at the bottom is likely the name of the original artist, while the name PALLAS is believed to have been inspired by the Greek goddess Athena or Joan of Arc. The inscription on the back of the card suggests the Queen of Spades was valued at one hundred livres. There was a time when playing cards were valued like regular banknotes-and this Ten of Spades from 18th-century New France wasone of them; it was also a clever way for authorities to keep theircolony working despite chronic coin shortages. Even more clever is how this intriguing coin preserves the playing card’s rectangular shape and is embellished with colour and selective gold plating along its edge-the first time these two stunning effects have been combined in this manner. Another unique feature of this coin: its “missing” corners. They reflect the practice of clipping cards in order to produce lower denominations. Historians believe the Ten of Spades was valued at forty livres, but as a treasured part of your coin collection, you’ll consider it priceless. All hail the king! This rectangular coin featuring the King of Hearts is the final issue in this must-have series that opens a rare window on that era. Its single, right-side-up design is an authentic reproduction of playing cards prior to 1870. Few examples survived, making these first-ever rectangular coins important guardians of this captivating history. In 1729, authorities began using plain card stock, which circulated like modern bank notes, until New France fell to the British in 1759-some 75 years after this unique form of moneyfirst appeared in 1685. Minted By: Royal Canadian Mint (RCM). Metal Element Purity: Silver AG. Coins / Bars are in Capsules & Include COA ONLY. Items for sale are exactly as shown in pictures. AUTHENTICATED using SIGMA METALYLICS VERIFIER. ALL SALES FINAL, NO EXCEPTIONS. It is YOUR responsibility to determine condition on your own. If you need further information or photos please ask! These are my costs.