25 Centimes Société Générale Postal Currency

France · 1920 · 25 centimes

This item is a circular metal token, known as a 'timbre-monnaie' or postal currency, encasing a 25 centimes French postage stamp under a clear window. The metal holder is embossed with advertising for Société Générale, a prominent French bank.

Timbre-monnaie like this were privately issued emergency currency, often created during periods of coin shortages, such as after World War I. They allowed businesses to provide small change by encasing low-denomination postage stamps in protective holders.