France 1920 American Optical 10 Centimes Postal Currency (Timbre-Monnaie)

France · 1920 · 10 Centimes

This unique item is a 10 centimes postal currency (timbre-monnaie) issued by American Optical in Paris around 1920. It features a green paper label affixed to a gilded sheet metal disc, serving as emergency money during a period of coin scarcity.

During and after World War I, many countries, including France, experienced shortages of small change, leading to the issuance of 'necessity money' by private companies and local authorities to facilitate commerce.