Photo: Mike Milton Beginning in 1942, the Government of Canada introduced gas rations to ensure an adequate supply for the ongoing war effort. For most Canadians, a gasoline license and ration coupons like this one were the only legal means of purchasing fuel. Gasoline rationing continued until August 1945, but I suspect this example dates from the early days of the ration. The design of the coupons themselves is pretty utilitarian, which must have opened the door to counterfeiting. Coupons from later years are much more elaborate in design – closer to the sort of graving we associate with currency.