Etablissements Louis Biret 5 Centimes Stamp-Money

France · 1920 · 5 centimes

A 5 centimes French postage stamp encased in a circular metal holder, bearing the inscription 'ETABLISSEMENTS LOUIS BIRET' around its perimeter. This item served as a form of necessity money during a coin shortage.

These stamp-money items were created in France starting in 1920 to address a severe shortage of small denomination coins after World War I. They served as a temporary substitute for currency, allowing commerce to continue.