Encased Postage Stamp, 10 Centimes, L. Vaïsse et Cie

France · 1900 · 10 centimes

This item is a French 10 centimes Sower postage stamp encased in a circular metal frame with a transparent plastic cover. The reverse side of the frame features an advertisement for L. Vaïsse et compagnie, a Parisian business.

Encased postage stamps like this were used as emergency currency in France during periods of coin shortages in the early 20th century. They also served as a novel form of advertising for businesses.