French 5 Centimes Postal Currency (Timbre-monnaie) for American Dental Office, Toulon

France · 1920 · 5 centimes

This is a French 5 centimes postage stamp encased in a round metal and plastic holder, serving as postal currency. The reverse side of the holder features an advertisement for the 'Cabinet dentaire américain' (American Dental Office) in Toulon.

Postal currency like this 'timbre-monnaie' was issued in France, particularly around the World War I era and its aftermath, to alleviate shortages of small change. This specific example also served as a form of advertising for a local business.