Banknote France 1 Franc - Chambre de Commerce - Belfort - Série AY 149 - 04-11-1918

This 1 franc banknote was issued by the Belfort Chamber of Commerce, with a resolution dated November 4, 1918. The front of the banknote displays the face value "1F" in the upper and lower corners, as well as in the center left. The inscription "CHAMBRE DE COMMERCE DE BELFORT" is printed at the top, followed by "DELIBERATION DU 4 NOVEMBRE 1918". In the center, one can read "UN FRANC" and the republican motto "LIBERTE?EGALITE?FRATERNITE". The series is indicated as "SERIE AY 149" with the number "15.715". The name of the printer, "IMP. B. ARNAUD-LYON-PARIS", appears at the bottom.

The back of the banknote bears the inscription "1F" in the upper and lower corners. The inscription "CIRCULATION LÉGALE DANS TOUTE L'ALSACE-LORRAINE" is clearly visible. In the center, we find "1 FRANC" above a text specifying that the counter-value of these vouchers is deposited in the Treasury and that their reimbursement must take place at the public funds in the district of the Belfort Chamber of Commerce before November 5, 1923, unless a decision to extend is made. The functions "Le Trésorier" and "Le Président" are mentioned at the bottom. The printer of this banknote is B. Arnaud, based in Villeurbanne, whose activity extended from 1898 to 1990.

This banknote testifies to a specific period when Chambers of Commerce could issue local currency due to economic or political circumstances. The mention of Alsace-Lorraine is particular, as this region was a major territorial issue between France and Germany, especially during World War I. The repayment deadline indicates a desire to control the period of validity of this local currency.