Early Paper Money of America / La Louisiane / 1735, etc. Billets de Cartes
[No examples of the following seven French paper money issues have been located. These are known only through the research and writing of those who have examined the remaining original archives. Much of the data is incomplete, unexplained, and confusing. Printing was not available in New Orleans until 1764 and thus whether prior issues were printed in France in whole or in part, or whether scribes wrote them is an open question. Similarly, the size of the individual pieces is unknown and the means and extent of their circulation is unknown. Without examples of the paper money itself the comments, which follow, are subject to challenge. Nevertheless, an attempt is made to present this elusive subject rather than to omit it as its inclusion may stimulate further findings.]
Although issued and signed by Colonial officials in the manner often used in Canada, the King’s La Louisiane card money became depreciated to the extent of 3 for 1, being similar to the experience with the paper currency of the Compagnie des Indies. On April 24, 1744 the Billets de Cartes were ordered to be redeemed on a 2 1/2 for 1 depreciation basis and to be void after 2 months.
