{"product_id":"antique-french-brass-jetons-set-5","title":"Antique French Brass Jetons - Set\/5","description":"\u003cp\u003eKnown in France as monnaie de nécessité or jetons de consommation, these brass hexagons were minted between the 1910s and 1940s (often during and between the World Wars). During the extreme coin shortages of World War I and the interwar period, local communities were in such desperate need of small change that they occasionally circulated these pre-made blanks exactly as they were. A specific merchant or cooperative would buy them and declare, \"Within our network of shops, this plain brass hexagon is worth 2 Sous.\" They were issued by local town councils, merchants, bakeries, or supply cooperatives to alleviate national coin shortages or manage food rationing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrance is famously nicknamed l'Hexagone due to its six-sided geographical profile. This specific shape was highly intentional, functioning as a subtle nod to French national identity on everyday trade pieces. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe stamped, dotted \"beaded\" pattern along the inner rim is a signature design element found on vintage French tokens. While the faces of these tokens are completely worn smooth or were left blank for custom local stamping, they closely resemble the historical blanks produced by major Parisian coin manufacturers like L.M. Guyon or Cartaux.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause they are highly uniform, sturdy, and distinctively geometric, these vintage blanks are also commonly sold to artisan jewelry makers and crafters. Collectors prefer the dark, uncleaned, original antique oxidation. Cleaning them with metal polish will strip the historic aging and permanently lower their value.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth sides of these French tokens are blank. They are 1\" in diameter. Packaged in sets of 5. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a limited stock item. When it is gone, it is gone. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Monahan Papers","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59748224074014,"sku":null,"price":12.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0677\/6170\/1150\/files\/2026-08-0708.37.26.jpg?v=1786110202","url":"https:\/\/www.monahanpapers.co\/products\/antique-french-brass-jetons-set-5","provider":"Monahan Papers","version":"1.0","type":"link"}