Currencies/Haitian sol
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Introduction
The Haitian Sol was a minor coin denomination used in Haiti during the early 19th century, functioning as part of the pre-decimal system that preceded the Haitian Gourde. It originated from the French colonial “sou” (sol), a traditional small-value unit used in France and its colonies before the introduction of decimal currency.
History
Before Haiti introduced its own currency in 1813, the local economy relied heavily on the French livre and its subdivisions — the sol (sou) and denier. After independence, these denominations remained in informal use for several years, especially in rural areas and small markets. The sol continued to circulate alongside colonial coins and the early Haitian Escalin, serving as a low-denomination reference in trade and accounting.
With the creation of the Haitian Gourde in 1813, the sol system was replaced by the centime-based decimal structure (1 gourde = 100 centimes).
By the mid-19th century, sols had disappeared completely from circulation, marking the end of the colonial currency legacy.
Coins
The sol was struck in copper or bronze, following the French colonial style. It represented the smallest tradeable coin in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, used mainly for market purchases and local transactions. Few authentic examples survive today, as they were quickly replaced by centime coins after the introduction of the gourde. Designs were typically simple, featuring French inscriptions or local overstrikes used during the revolutionary era.
Currency
1 Livre = 20 Sols (Sous)
1 Sol = 12 Deniers
Replaced by Haitian Gourde (1813)
Metal Copper or Bronze
Status Obsolete
The sol’s disappearance marked Haiti’s shift from a colonial French currency system to an independent national economy based on the gourde.
Legacy
The Haitian Sol symbolizes the country’s monetary transition from the French colonial livre to its own independent system. While no longer in use, it remains part of Haiti’s early post-revolutionary economic history and an important step toward financial sovereignty.