25 Centimes L. Vaïsse & Co. Encased Postage Stamp

France · 1900 · 25 centimes

This is an encased postage stamp, featuring a 25 centimes French stamp visible through a clear front, housed in a circular metal casing. The reverse side displays an advertisement for L. Vaïsse & Compagnie, a business located at 99 Rue de Richelieu in Paris.

Encased postage stamps like this 'timbre-monnaie' were used as fractional currency, particularly during periods of coin shortages in the early 20th century. This specific piece functioned as necessity money, issued by L. Vaïsse & Compagnie in Paris, likely to facilitate small transactions and advertise their business.