Near Mint WW2 NAAFI 1/2 Franc Octangular Brown Bakelite Token

Here on offer is a fine example of a WW2 NAAFI 1/2 franc octangular shaped brown Bakelite token.

The token is made of a dark brown laminated Bakelite in a distinctive octagonal shape.

Printed in lack in a repeating pattern on both sides are the words:

HALF FRANC TOKEN NAAFI ONLY


My understanding is that owing to a shortage of small change in French currency during WW2, it was decided as a temporary measure, to use tokens of the denomination of 1/2 franc in NAAFI, N.(Navy) A.(Army) A.Air F.(Force) I(Institut), in FRANCE.

The tokens were issued as a temporary measure only and solely for the benefit of troops in making cash purchases at NAAFI when small change is not available.
They couldn’t be used elsewhere than in NAAFI establishments, but could be exchanged by Cashiers in England in the case of returning troops with tokens in their possession.

All the tokens were withdrawn by NAAFI as soon as they could at the end of WW2 and were redeemed in full by NAAFI.

There were a number of different versions of tokens produced during WW2.

This example is in near mint “unused” condition.

It measures 1” (2.4cm) across the flats and weighs 1.1g.

Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.

Please see my TERMS OF BUSINESS regarding Deliver Charges and Insurance regarding additional insurance cover, should you require it, BEFORE the item is dispatched.

The responsibility lies with the customer to check with your Customs restrictions that this item can be imported into your country.

Thanks for taking the time to look.

Code: 51649