2 Shillings 6 Pence - British Armed Forces 1st series

British Armed Forces Special Vouchers — universally called BAFSVs — replaced servicemen's access to sterling currency in occupied and sensitive zones after 1945, specifically to prevent local black markets from accumulating pounds that could then be converted or repatriated. The 1st series was rushed into production by De La Rue for issue across the British occupation zone in Germany and other postwar postings, where ordinary NAAFI transactions otherwise bled hard currency into civilian economies the military had no interest in enriching.

This 2/6 denomination saw heavy canteen use and genuine attrition. Survivors in collectible condition are proportionally fewer than the higher face values.