France 5 Centimes Vasseur Bank Emergency Currency

France · 1915 · 5 Centimes

This is a 5 centimes emergency currency token, known as a 'timbre-monnaie,' issued by the Vasseur Bank located at 166 Rue Montmartre in Paris. It features designs on both the obverse and reverse, likely incorporating a stamp or stamp-like element.

Issued in the early 20th century, this 'monnaie de nécessité' served as a substitute for official coinage during periods of scarcity, particularly common in France during World War I. Private banks like Vasseur issued these to facilitate local commerce.