Regina Coin Show features Princess Patricia 1917 $1

By George Manz, F.R.C.N.A.

The Regina Coin Club Show in April 2017 will feature a series of Canadian 1917 $1 notes that depict Prince Patricia, the granddaughter of Queen Victoria. The Regina Coin Club is celebrating the hundredth anniversary of these notes being issued.

The notes were the only ones designed during World War I. They display several patriotic and military symbols such as maple leaves and flags. The centre of the face of the notes portray Princess Patricia, the daughter of the former Governor General of Canada and his wife, the Duke and Duchess of Connaught.

Princess Patricia was instrumental in raising a regiment that was called Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI). As well, she designed and hand-made the original PPCLI regimental flag and became its Colonel-in-Chief. The notes are dated March 17, her birthday.

The back of the notes depict the Centre Block of the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa, Canada’s capital. When the note was first issued, the Centre Block no longer existed as it was destroyed by fire on February 3, 1916 with only the Library of Parliament saved from destruction. German sabotage was suspected in the fire.

The PPCLI was formed in 1914 and was the first Canadian infantry unit to fight in France. They fought in some of the bloodiest battles of the war including Somme, Vimy Ridge, Passchendaele and Amiens. Several PPCLI members were awarded the Victoria Cross, the Commonwealth’s highest honour. The regiment also fought in World War II, the Korean War, and Afghanistan.

A member of the Saskatoon Coin Club has loaned his collection of Princess Patricia $1 notes to be displayed at the Regina Coin Club Show. Included in the display are full colour face and back proofs, several different specimen notes, an issued bank note, two vignettes, and numerous progressive face and back proofs.

In addition, the Regina Coin Club will display numerous cap and collar badges and shoulder titles from the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry over the last 100 years. As well, there will be a display of memorabilia from the Regina Pats, a major junior hockey team named after Princess Patricia that is also celebrating its hundredth anniversary. The hockey players wear PPCLI shoulder titles on their jerseys.

The Regina Coin Club Show and Sale takes place at the Turvey Centre, just north of Regina. The show runs from April 22-23, 2017.

George Manz is a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Numismatic Association and President of the Regina Coin Club.