Banknote France 1 Franc - Chamber of commerce - Le Mans - 01-03-1917 - Serial 2

This 1 Franc note issued by the Le Mans Chamber of Commerce, dated March 1, 1917, belongs to the 2nd series of this issue. The front of the note features the inscriptions "CHAMBRE DE COMMERCE DU MANS", a seven-digit serial number (706031), the mentions "Le Trésorier" (The Treasurer) and "Le Président" (The President), as well as the face value "1 FRANC".

On the back, the face value "1f" is repeated twice, as well as the validity period of the note "1917 - 1922". An inscription specifies that this voucher is guaranteed by a deposit of an equivalent sum at the Treasury and that it is exchangeable for banknotes at the Banque de France in Le Mans. It is also stipulated that the note must be presented for redemption within five years before May 1, 1922, under penalty of prescription. The mention "1ère Série 1ère Série" (1st Series 1st Series) also appears on the back.

The printer of this note is Imprimerie Monnoyer, located in Le Mans, France. The front of the note is mainly in French, while the back contains inscriptions in Latin and cursive Latin, especially for legal notices and redemption conditions.

This emergency note reflects the particular economic and monetary context of France during the First World War, where Chambers of Commerce were authorized to issue currency to compensate for the lack of liquidity.