Banknote France 1 Franc - Chamber of Commerce - Châteauroux - 1916 - Série A 2057

The 1 Franc banknote issued by the Châteauroux Chamber of Commerce dates from January 6, 1916. This type of banknote was a response to the shortage of small denomination currency during the First World War.

On the obverse, you can read the inscription "CHAMBRE DE COMMERCE DE CHATEAUROUX" in capital letters, indicating the issuing institution. The face value, "BON DE UN FRANC", is clearly mentioned to facilitate its identification. The signatures of the Treasurer and the President of the Chamber of Commerce authenticate the banknote. A mention specifies that the issue was approved by the Higher Administration, thus underlining its legitimacy. The name of the printer, "IMP BADEL CHATEAUROUX", also appears, allowing to identify the company responsible for its manufacture.

The reverse of the banknote only mentions the printer, "Imprimerie Badel, Châteauroux, France". This indication confirms the local origin of the production of the banknote.

This banknote from series A 2057, printed by Imprimerie Badel in Châteauroux, testifies to an era when the Chambers of Commerce played a crucial role in the management of local finances in France, by alleviating the lack of liquidity through the issuance of emergency currency.