HAITI. Aluminum Crown (2 Gourdes) Pattern, 1820. Henry I as King of North Haiti. NGC AU Details--Excessive Surface Hairlines. KM-Pn31; Arroyo-HA#P124; Rudman-103. Reeded edge. Laureate and armored bust of Henri I right, legend around; Reverse: Crowned arms of Haiti (1811-20), legend around with date written "Lan 17". This highly interesting survivor has much to offer the avid student of the Haitian series, being struck in a metal type that seldom appears and is sparsely documented about. The strike is bold with good definition of the finer details displaying khaki hued patina amongst the devises. Upon closer inspection evidence of a past cleaning indicated on the NGC insert as "Excessive Surface Hairlines", now slightly subdued by a thin veneer of tone. The peculiar specimen is a real treat for the specialist looking to add diversity and depth to their collection and is sure to pique the interest of many potential bidders.<p><em>A slave himself, Henri Christophe (Henri I), rose through the ranks of the Haitian Revolutionary military and was integral to Haitis war for independence from France. After independence Henri founded the State of Haiti on February 17, 1807 and was elected as President. A few years later on March 28, 1811 he created the Kingdom of North Haiti adding nobility and naming his legitimate son as heir to the throne. Under his policies of corvee, forced labor, the kingdom generated much revenue, but was resented by the people. Fearing an uprising and coup from his unpopularity he committed suicide on October 10, 1820; 10 days later his son and remaining heirs were assassinated.</em>
