Encased Stamp of 5 Centimes, Société Marseillaise de Crédit

France · 1920 · 5 centimes

A French Sower (Semeuse) definitive stamp of 5 centimes is encased in a circular metal and plastic holder. The holder is inscribed with 'SOCIÉTÉ MARSEILLAISE DE CRÉDIT' and '5 CENTIMES' around the edge.

This encased stamp served as 'necessity money' (monnaie de nécessité) during a period of coin shortage in post-World War I France. Issued by a private bank, it allowed for small transactions when official coinage was scarce.