The abundance of beaver in North America drew French fur
traders to the New World. With them came the first currency
to be used in Canada in the form of French and other foreign
coins. Trade with the natives continued throughout the French
Regime with a variety of objects used as money. Natives valued
wampum beads and ornamental silver more than coins. Coins
were always in use but were in short supply in New France.
The shortage forced the colonial government to issue signed
playing cards to pay the troops. The convenience of issuing
paper money helped to facilitate trade, but lack of control
and the failure of redemption led to public mistrust that
was to last for several years. |
