During the rise of inflation in Italy in the 1970's there was a shortage of 50 and 100 lira coins which lasted from 1975 to 1979. As the demand outstripped the small coinage minted by the Italian government and the shortage persisted, it caused merchants to pay more for coins than their face value.  Due to this shortage, candy, telephone tokens, plastic discs specific to a store were used as alternatives since they could not make change for purchases.  

​One alternative solution to coins came in the form of mini checks that banks throughout Italy started issuing. Unlike some of the fantasy notes licensed by Disney. These small size checks were issued as an emergency small currency accepted by the public due to the lack of coins as official currency.