Saltspring Dollar
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Salt Spring Dollars are a regional currency issued by the Salt Spring Island Monetary Fund in an attempt to bring more tourist money to the island.
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[edit] History
The first issuance of the currency took place on September 15, 2001 and was originally issued with a set expiration date of December 31, 2003. They were exchanged at par with the Canadian dollar, and used at select stores throughout the island. They were given the distinct symbol $$, to denote Salt Spring. In order to give the currency financial backing, the Salt Spring Island Monetary Fund, the issuer of the bills, backed the money up with gold bullion coins purchased from the Royal Canadian Mint. It was later decided that the bills would not expire, and continue to be used as tender on the island at the time of this edit (February 13, 2007).
Also, in late 2006, a coin of .999 fine silver was issued in the amount of $$50.
[edit] Currency
Bills were, and still are, issued in $$1, $$2, $$5, $$10, $$20, $$50, and $$100 denominations. Each bears the image of a distinct figure from Saltspring history, such as Henry Wright Bullock ($$1 bill), Matilda Naukana Harris ($$2 bill), or Sylvia Stark ($$5 bill). Along with the figure is a quote by Albert Einstein: "How I wish that somewhere there existed an Island for those who are wise and of good will! In such a place even I would be an ardent patriot." In the centre exists a landscape shot of select locations on the island.
The reverse of the bills feature paintings from local artists. Robert Bateman was given the honour of having his artwork grace the $$50 and $$100 bills.
[edit] Photos
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