[!gasrationbook.jpg](http://canadiandesignresource.ca/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/gasrationbook.jpg)[!gasrationbook-inside.jpg](http://canadiandesignresource.ca/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/gasrationbook-inside.jpg)[Photo: Mike Milton](http://flickr.com/photos/parquin/2564458969/) 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.](http://virtualmuseum.ca/pm.php?id=record_detail&fl=0&lg=English&ex=242&rd=134767#)