Brief Haiti History
Christopher Columbus discovered the island of Hispaniola in 1492, its name means "Spanish Island". The eastern part of the island is occupied by the Dominican Republic , the western third being Haiti.
The native Taino Amerindians - who inhabited the island of Hispaniola when it was discovered by COLUMBUS in 1492 - were virtually annihilated by Spanish settlers within 25 years. In the early 17th century, the French established a presence on Hispaniola, and in 1697, Spain ceded to the French the western third of the island, which later became Haiti. The French colony, based on forestry and sugar-related industries, became one of the wealthiest in the Caribbean, but only through the heavy importation of African slaves and considerable environmental degradation. In the late 18th century, Haiti's nearly half million slaves revolted under Toussaint L'OUVERTURE. After a prolonged struggle, Haiti became the first black republic to declare its independence in 1804. The poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, Haiti has been plagued by political violence for most of its history. After an armed rebellion led to the departure of President Jean-Betrand ARISTIDE in February 2004, an interim government took office to organize new elections under the auspices of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). Continued violence and technical delays have prompted repeated postponements, and Haiti missed the constitutionally-mandated presidential inauguration date of 7 February 2006.

Haiti Gold Coins Although Haitian pattern gold coins were issued between 1814 and 1854, its gold coinage issue did not begin until 1967, when five different denominations were issued, from 20 gourdes to 1,000 gourdes, to commemorate the tenth anniversary of one of its revolutions.

Description The 1,000 gourdes coin shown is a seriously large and impressive coin, issued for the tenth anniversary of independence, but also celebrating the 60th birthday of Duvalier.

Obverse
A left facing portrait of the Haitian Life President "Papa Doc" Duvalier, wearing spectacles (perhaps we should call this a spectacular coin?), with the figures 60 in a wreath to his right. The legends, in two concentric circles, read:
REPUBLIQUE D'HAITI
AN X DE LA REVOLUTION
DR. FRAN%CCEDIT;OIS DUVALIER
PRESIDENT A VIE

Reverse
The coat of arms of Haiti, including the motto "L'UNION FAIT LA FORCE", and the legend:
LIBERTE EGALITE FRATERNITE
1000
GOURDES
1967
Together with '900' (the gold fineness) in a small cartouche, and some other numerals and letters. The number 1343 in our photograph may be a serial number, the IC may be a mintmark.

Technical Specifications

Notes on Table
Diameter = Diameter in millimetres.
Weight = Gross weight in grams.
Fineness = purity of gold alloy.
Gold Content = Actual gold content in troy ounces.

Prices & Availability
Please telephone for current prices and availability.

Notes * = Estimated

Postage & Packing
UK Registered Post (Special Delivery) £9 per order
EU Insured Post £10 per order
USA Airmail $10 per order
USA Insured Shipping $20 per order

Haiti Silver and Base Metal Coins
For silver and base metal coins of Haiti, please look at our original Chard Coins website.