5 Centimes

Historical Context: The 1915 5 Centimes from the Commune of Wattrelos is a poignant artifact of World War I. Wattrelos, in the Nord department of France, was under German occupation, causing a critical shortage of official currency. This cardboard monnaie de nécessité was issued by local authorities to facilitate daily commerce amidst wartime disruptions, metal hoarding, and severed supply lines, signifying a desperate yet essential local effort to maintain economic function.

Artistry: As a wartime necessity issue, this 5 Centimes token lacks a named engraver or formal stylistic school. Its design is purely utilitarian, prioritizing clarity and function over aesthetic embellishment. Typically, such issues feature the denomination, issuing authority (Commune of Wattrelos), and year, rendered in simple, legible typography. Decorative elements are minimal, perhaps a basic border. The focus was on immediate recognition and local validity, not artistic merit.

Technical/Grading: Given its cardboard composition, assessing this token involves evaluating its preservation, not a metallic strike. Key examination areas include cardboard integrity: absence of tears, creases, folds, or delamination. Printed elements should be sharp and unfaded, ensuring clear legibility of text and design. Edges and corners are highly susceptible to wear and damage from handling. Collectors prioritize tokens free from significant staining, foxing, or environmental degradation, which severely impact visual appeal and historical integrity.