Absinthe bistro saucers had a dual purpose in the era before the absinthe ban. In addition to their function as coasters, they were also used to indicate the price of the absinthe served. The price printed on the bottom corresponded to a color painted on the outer edge. This colored edge was used to indicate to the server the amount to be billed to the customer. This saucer features a hand-painted rim with cranberry and pinwheel lines accented in silver. The penny mark is printed on the side of the saucer.