A POST-CARD RECEIVED FROM A SOLDIER IN FRANCE BEARING STEREOTYPED GREETINGS.
In the foregoing notes we have merely indicated, in a general way, the sources from which war stamps have emanated. Sufficient, however, has been said to show that these relics of strife and bloodshed provide material for the collector of a highly fascinating character.
CHAPTER XV
WAR MONEY
French obsidional notes—Mafeking notes—The Napoleonic assignats—Charles II and University plate—Mints at Carlisle, Beeston, Scarborough, Newark, Colchester, and Pontefract—Irish gun money
Just as there are many postage stamps which owe their origin to the stern necessities of war, so there are a great number of coins, tokens, notes, etc., which have found their way into circulation as a result of the belligerent attitude of armies. All such examples of war money are extremely interesting and well worth collecting.
The conflict which is raging at the time of writing has already produced a certain amount of war money, notably in the northern part of France. In this area many small towns and villages have found themselves despoiled of their metal currency, with the consequence that paper money has been issued, under authority, to meet the temporary demands of the outraged inhabitants. Among the illustrations of this book, two such paper notes, coming from Epernay, are included; it is safe to say that in time to come these and similar issues will be much sought for.