Encased Postage Stamp, 25 Centimes, L. Vaïsse et compagne

France · 1900 · 25 centimes

A circular metal encased postage stamp featuring a French 25 centimes stamp, likely a Sower design, visible through a central window. The casing is inscribed with the merchant's name, L. Vaïsse et compagne, and their address in Paris.

Encased postage stamps served as emergency currency during periods of coin shortages, particularly in the early 20th century. Merchants would encase stamps in metal holders, often bearing their advertisements, to facilitate transactions as 'necessity money'.