Publications and Research

Winter 1996-97

The impact of exchange rate movements on consumer prices by Thérèse Laflèche The maturity structure of household financial assets and liabilities by Marie-Claude Montplaisir The Canadian market for zero-coupon bonds by Miles Whittingham

Cover: P.N. Breton, Canadian numismatist

The study of currency, or numismatics, began to flourish in Canada in the latter half of the 19th century, particularly in Montreal. The Numismatic and Antiquarian Society of Montreal was founded in 1862, and in the ensuing decades many significant works on Canadian coinage were produced by authorities such as A. Sandham, Dr. J. LeRoux, and R. McLachlan.

Prominent among these early numismatists was Pierre Napoleon Breton, a Montreal coin dealer. From his shop on St. Catherine Street, Breton prepared detailed price lists of coins for sale. In keeping with the fashion of the day, he had a metallic advertising piece produced that was stamped with his name and profession. Breton is best known for writing one of the most respected works on 19th century Canadian coins, the Illustrated History of Coins and Tokens of Canada, published in 1894. With its bilingual text and illustrations of over 500 coins, Breton's book was an immediate success among collectors. It was revised in 1912 and was reprinted in 1963 and again in 1983.

Although more comprehensive studies of Canadian currency have since appeared, Breton's book continues to be a valuable reference because the numbering system it established for some series of Canadian tokens remains the standard. In addition, the information the book offers on the issuers of tokens and on distinguished Canadian numismatists is still pertinent.

The book, pamphlet, and advertising piece shown are part of the National Currency Collection, Bank of Canada.

Photography by James Zagon.