MacPuffin Dollar (Cape Breton Tourist Association Trade Token)
Decorative art, specifically a numismatic trade token (Municipal/Regional Currency) • Commissioned by the Cape Breton Tourist Association; likely minted by a commercial Canadian mint (e.g., Sherritt Mint)
Style & Movement
North American Folk/Commercial Art; Regional Canadiana
Medium & Technique
Nickel-bonded steel or nickel-silver alloy; die-struck metal minting with reeded edge
Creation Period
Circa 1970s–1980s (Specifically 1974–1983 era of original issuance)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 33mm in diameter; Circular (Tondo) coin format
Subject Description
Features 'MacPuffin' as a personified Atlantic puffin wearing a tam o' shanter (Scottish bonnet). The iconography blends Cape Breton's Scottish heritage with local wildlife. Text includes 'MacPuffin Dollar', 'Laird of Cibou', and 'The Cape Breton Tourist Association'.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good; Shows moderate surface wear, minor scratching (bag marks), and slight dulling of the original luster, consistent with handling.
Estimated Market Value
$5.00 - $15.00 USD
Auction Estimate
$3.00 - $10.00 USD
Provenance History
Issued as a tourist souvenir and local 'trade dollar' in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia; likely acquired as a travel keepsake or numismatic collectible.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the 'Trade Dollar' movement in 20th-century Canadian tourism, designed to encourage local spending. It highlights the cultural synthesis of Gaelic identity and maritime biology in Nova Scotian branding.
Notable Features
Includes the title 'Laird of Cibou', referencing a historical and whimsical designation related to the Bird Islands off Cape Breton.
Condition Issues
Surface abrasions, minor edge nicks, and organic buildup within the recessed lettering (patina/dirt).
Conservation Recommendations
Keep in a PVC-free archival coin flip or capsule. Do not clean with abrasives or chemicals as this destroys numismatic value.