For our blog-ette this week we are taking a look at Haiti’s 20 Gourdes p271A note. This note commemorates the 200th Anniversary of Haiti’s constitution. The front of this note shows Francois- Dominique Toussaint Louverture, embossed silver foil patches, and a Laurel wreath. While the back has an image of an open book with the constitution.
The Haitian Revolution was a rebellion by self-liberated slaves against French colonial rule. The revolt began in August 1791, and ended in January 1804 with Haiti’s independence. Louverture was a Haitian general and leader during the Haitian Revolution. He used his military experience and political savvy to help turn the slave rebellion into a revolution for independence from France. Louverture is now known as the “Father of Haiti.”
In 1801, Napoleon notified Haiti that a new constitution would be created by France with special rules for the island. Many feared that this meant he would reinstate slavery. In March 1801, Louverture selected a constitutional assembly to draft a constitution for Haiti (then known as Saint-Domingue). The constitution abolished slavery, and guaranteed equal treatment and opportunity for all races. Louverture then had this drafted constitution delivered to Napoleon which he was none too pleased with. Napoleon ended up sending a large military force to Haiti to reclaim French rule. This military expedition succeeded in capturing Louverture, but ultimately failed in regaining Haiti as a French colony.
Haiti’s 20 Gourdes p271A note is eye- catching and a wonderful commemorative for the 200th Anniversary of Haiti’s constitution. This note is our current featured note and will be offered at a discounted price for a limited time. Check out our website to see more on this delightful note.
Denomination: 20 Gourdes
Pick #: 271A
Other Info: Commemorative Note – Bi-centennial of the Haitian Constitution
Depictions: Bicentennial of Constitution; Bust; Hologram security strip; Open Constitution book
Note Size: 6 1/4″ x 2 3/4″
Continent: North and Central America
Watermark: Coat of Arms