Haitian money

Haitian Money Called Gourdes

Why are they called gourdes?  During the time of Henry Christophe, the only king of Haiti, they used the Calabash gourds as a form of monetary exchange.  The actual translation of gourdes from French to English is flask or water bottle.  They used them to carry water, make bowls, and for many other purposes.  

 5       gourdes =      1    Haitian Dollar   = 12.5   cents ……..…....  U.S.

 10     gourdes =      2    Haitian Dollars =  25      cents ……….....  U.S.

 25     gourdes =      5    Haitian Dollars = 62.5    cents  ……...….. U.S.

 50     gourdes =    10    Haitian Dollars = 1 dollar and   25 cents. .U.S.

 100   gourdes =    20    Haitian Dollars = 2 dollars and 50 cents ..U.S.

 250   gourdes =    50    Haitian Dollars = 6 dollars and 25 cents ..U.S.

 500   gourdes =  100    Haitian Dollars = 12 dollars and 50 cents U.S.

 1000 gourdes =  200    Haitian Dollars = 25 dollars ……………...U.S.