Crédit Lyonnais 5 Centimes Encased Stamp

France · 1920 · 5 centimes

A 5 centimes French Sower stamp is encased in a circular metal frame, likely aluminum, which features 'Crédit Lyonnais' advertising text around its perimeter. This item served as a form of necessity money.

Issued in 1920, this 'timbre-monnaie' or encased stamp served as a substitute for small change during a period of coin scarcity in post-WWI France. It also functioned as an advertisement for Crédit Lyonnais bank.