American Optical 5 Centimes Necessity Token

France · 1920 · 5 centimes

A circular metal token, likely with a paper insert, issued by American Optical Co. in Paris. One side displays 'AMERICAN OPTICAL CO.' and '3, BOULEVARD MONTMARTRE PARIS' around '5 CENTIMES', while the reverse features 'BON POUR 5 CENTIMES' in the center.

This 'timbre-monnaie' or necessity token was issued by American Optical Co. in Paris around 1920. Such private tokens were common in France during periods of coin shortages, particularly in the aftermath of World War I, serving as a form of local currency.