American Optical 5 Centimes Necessity Token

France · 1920 · 5 centimes

A circular metal token with a paper insert featuring the name 'American Optical Co.', its Paris address, and the denomination '5 Centimes'. The design includes decorative elements and text on both sides of the paper insert.

Issued around 1920, this necessity token served as a substitute for official coinage during a period of economic instability or coin shortages in post-World War I France. It was issued by a private company, American Optical, for local use.