Learn About the Variety of 1767 French Colonial Issues
In 1767, the Paris Mint struck a Sou for use in the French Colonies in Canada (Quebec and Newfoundland), the American Colonies (Louisiana) and in the French Caribbean (French West Indies). There are only two varieties of this 1767-dated Sou – one is the normal striking and the other is Counterstamped with the letter “RF”, standing for the “Republic of France.”
This larger copper coin was equivalent to 12 Deniers but it was called a Sou and was equal to the US Large Cent in purchasing power.
The coin was struck in 1767 and originally intended to replace the old Billon coin as the price of silver continued to rise making the Billon coins hoarded and unaffordable.
The obverse of the coin has crossed scepters, which represent Justice and French sovereignty, although they are often mistaken for crossed cannons. The Latin Legend “COLONIES FRANÇOISES L XV” translates to the “French Colonies of King Louis XVth.”
The reverse depicts 3 fleurs-de-lis within a crowned wreath with the Latin Legend “SIT NOMEN DOMINI BENEDICTUM” which translates to “Blessed is the Name of the Lord.”
It is believed that as many as 1.6 million copper Sous were struck but only a fraction of them survived. Some circulated within the colony of Louisiana and in a few Caribbean islands. But they did not circulate in Guadeloupe. Twenty-six years later, in 1793, the Governor of Guadeloupe, requested the rejected coins for use on the island.
The French Government ordered the Paris Mint to overstrike the coins with the letters “RF” for “Republic of France.” The new Governor of Guadeloupe had installed a new republican form of government, much like France.
| Date | Type | Mintage | VG Value | XF Value |
| 1767 | Un Sou | Unknown | $150 | $1,500 |
| 1767 C/S “RF” | Un Sou | Unknown | $125 | $750 |
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