French 5 Centimes Encased Postage Stamp (L. Vaïsse & Cie)

France · 1900 · 5 centimes

A French 5 centimes Sower stamp encased in a circular metal frame, likely for use as necessity money. The frame bears the inscription 'L. Vaïsse et compagnie 99, rue de Richelieu à Paris'.

Encased postage stamps served as emergency currency during periods of coin shortages, often issued by private businesses. This example from L. Vaïsse & Cie in Paris illustrates a private solution to currency scarcity in early 20th century France.