Banknote France 1 Franc - Chamber of Commerce - Nord et Pas-deCalais - Serie B

This 1 franc banknote was issued in 1917 by the Chambers of Commerce of Nord and Pas-de-Calais, it belongs to Series B. It is an emergency issue, intended to compensate for the lack of cash during the First World War.

The front of the banknote features a frame decorated with geometric, floral and vegetal motifs. The face value, "1", is clearly indicated. There are also the mentions "PREMIER GROUPEMENT ÉCONOMIQUE RÉGIONAL" and "CHAMBRES DE COMMERCE DU NORD ET DU PAS-DE-CALAIS". The signatures of the Treasurer and the President are affixed, as well as the serial number "B 2.172.820". The mention "UN FRANC" is also present, as well as the designation of the series "Sie B".

The back of the banknote features the coats of arms of the cities of ARMENTIÈRES, DOUAI, ARRAS, DUNKERQUE, AVESNES, LILLE, BÉTHUNE, ROUBAIX, BOULOGNE, SAINT-OMER, CALAIS, TOURCOING, CAMBRAI and VALENCIENNES, each surmounted by its respective belfry. The value of "5 Centimes" is mentioned. The inscription specifies that the banknotes in circulation were exchangeable for banknotes of the Bank of France until December 31, 1925. The mention "CHAMBRES DE COMMERCE DE" precedes the enumeration of the cities represented.

This banknote testifies to the economic and social context of France during the First World War and the adaptation of local institutions in the face of money shortages.