12 Centimes Western Republic; small bust

Reverse

Bust facing left

Script: Latin

Lettering:
A.PETION PRESIDENT
AN 14

Translation:
President A(lexandre) Petion
Year 14

Edge

Plain

Comment

Alexandre Sabès dit "Pétion (1770/1818) studied at the military academy in Paris. Back home, he took part in various battles. He rallied to Dessalines and defeated the expeditionary force in 1804, taking part in the country's independence. The colony was divided in 2; he became president of the southern part of the island in 1806 until his death in 1818.

This is an automatic translation. The original text is:

Alexandre Sabès dit "Pétion (1770/1818) étudie à l'académie militaire de Paris. Rentré au pays , il participe à différentes batailles. Il se rallie à Dessalines et vainc la force expéditionnaire en 1804 et prend ainsi part à l'indépendance du pays. La colonie se divise en 2; il devient président de la partie sud de l'île en 1806 jusqu'à sa mort en 1818.

Interesting fact

The 12 Centimes coin from Haiti, issued in 1817, features a small bust of a woman representing liberty, which was a common motif in coins of the Western Republic. The coin was made of silver and weighs 1.30 grams. What's interesting is that this coin was issued during a time of great political and social change in Haiti, as the country had recently gained its independence from France in 1804. The coin's design and symbolism reflect the new nation's values and aspirations for freedom and self-determination.

• north america
• modern
• french colony