Denmark in the past.

Rationing.

In the history of Denmark the state twice have been forced to impose rationing of a wide range of everyday articles. First time because of World War I, and second time because of World War II.

Coupons are not banknotes, but they got an importance, that historical should not be overlooked. Money was no longer enough. People should also be able to deliver the requisite coupons.

The construction of a distribution system was not without difficulties. That is why the coupons first came in 1917. There came two types of ration cards, respectively for the private housekeeping and the industri.


The first ration card came on the 1st of April 1917, this card was on bread and flour. Of other articles which was rationed can be mentioned: Fuel (paraffin, carbide, etc.), coffee & tea, corn, meat, margarine, milk, butter, sugar and a lot more. The last ration cards during World War I came in 1921.

At World War II, even before the war reached Denmark, the first ration card was released in October 1939. This card contained sugar coupons. As an agricultural society Denmark did not suffer like other countries during the war. But soon luxury articles like chocolate, coffee, tea and tobacco was not possible to get. Instead of coffee a substitute like Richs could be used, but later this was rationed too. During this war the same articles as in World War I were rationed.

Of other articles can be mentioned: Baby clothes, petrol, fuel, generator fuel, salt, soda, soap, textiles, vitamin preparations etc. People counts on that there have been released about 3600 different ration cards during 1939-52. A lot of the ration cards were with several different coupons, so the total numbers of coupons are quite big.

Card for drapery.


Since World War II the state once have been forced to impose rationing in Denmark. (When you leaves out of account the spirits rationing in Greenland). During the Suez crisis in 1956-57 petrol, paraffin and other oil products were rationed.

Ration cards/coupons has been a collector area, like stamps are.