LC-5A3 (1838) Lower Canada Banque du Peuple, Montreal Un Sou Very Good (VG8)

LC-5A3 No Date (1838) Lower Canada, Banque du Peuple Montreal Un Sou, Agriculture & Commerce; Closed Wreath, Small Bow, Reeded, Bank Token, Very Good (VG-8)

Bank du Peuple was organized in 1835 by reformists that were excluded by the conservatives or Tories who dominated the Bank of Montreal's board of directors. Between 1835 and 1844, it operated as a private bank, until applying for a charter in 1843, which was granted in 1844. Interestingly, all of the bank's directors were real or suspected rebels, and warrants were issued for their arrests in 1837.

Obverse: A thistle plant bouquet in centre, "AGRICULTURE & COMMERCE" above, "BAS CANADA" below.
Reverse: Denomination in the centre of a wreath of oak leaves, "BANQUE DU PEUPLE" above, and "Montreal" below.

5A3 Variety: On the obverse, there is no die break to "DA" in CANADA. On the reverse, the leaves at the top of the wreath are joined by a die break, and the bow of the ribbon is thin.

Specifications:
Composition: Copper or Brass
Weight: 9 g
Diameter: 27.3 mm
Die Axis: ↑↑
Edge: Reeded
Alternate Reference: BR# 715