Porcelain Absinthe Coaster/Saucer, 1f25, Green/Silver, with Lines

Bistro saucers served a dual purpose in the pre-ban absinthe era. Besides serving as coasters, they were also used to indicate the price of absinthe or other drinks. The price printed on the bottom or side of the saucer corresponded with a color painted on the outside rim. This colored rim was used to tell the waiter how much to charge the customer by reading the different saucer colors when stacked. For instance, if three green-rimmed saucers were stacked, the waiter would know to charge the customer 3.75 French francs. When paying the bill, the money was generally left inside the coaster. The French franc was a currency unit, like the United States dollar.