5 centimes L. Vaïsse & Cie. Emergency Token

France · 1900 · 5 centimes

A circular metal token, likely brass or gilded, featuring an embedded 5 centimes French definitive postage stamp, possibly a Sower design. The token is inscribed with 'L. VAÏSSE ET CIE' and '99 RUE DE RICHELIEU PARIS'.

This 'monnaie de nécessité' (emergency money) was issued by a private company, L. Vaïsse et Compagnie, in Paris during the early 20th century, likely to address a shortage of small change, a common practice in France during and around World War I.