Scrip-o-philia

February 26, 2013

A playing card cut into three sections and used as scrip to be redeemed for one loaf of bread per section. Issued by the Montreal grocer John Hautson.

From the catalog of book dealer Bob Gaba:

John Hautson (c1790-c1850) was a Montreal merchant grocer and trader during the 1830s and 1840s. After having purchased two large tracts of land in 1840, he set up a wood yard facility which he operated between 1843 and 1849. Hautson’s playing card scrip, reminiscent of the playing card money issued by the colonial government in Quebec during the French Period, had a value of one loaf of bread, and was likely intended for use at his grocery store. His wood yard operation may have also had a store or bakery where the playing card scrip could have been used.