Banknote France 1 Franc - City - Roubaix-Tourcoing - 12-08-1916 - 8th series

This 1 franc banknote, issued by the cities of Roubaix and Tourcoing, dates from August 12, 1916, and belongs to the eighth series of these local issues. It is a currency bond, guaranteed by the two cities and redeemable at the municipal revenue office of each, six months after the conclusion of peace.

The front of the banknote displays the face value "1 franc" twice, in the upper left and upper right corners. The mention "Villes de Roubaix et de Tourcoing" is clearly indicated, followed by the designation "Bon de Monnaie" (Currency Bond). The series, "Huitième Série" (Eighth Series), is also mentioned. The text specifies that the banknote is guaranteed by the cities of Roubaix and Tourcoing and redeemable after the peace. The deliberations of the municipal councils and the approval of the prefectural authority are dated August 12 and 24, 1916, respectively. The presence of an "R" before the control number is noted. An indication emphasizes that the banknote must be stamped with the dry stamp of one of the two cities to be valid. The name of the printer, Louis Debode, of Roubaix, also appears.

The back of the banknote features the coat of arms of the city of Roubaix on the left and those of the city of Tourcoing on the right. In the center, Article 139 of the Penal Code is reproduced in full. This legal text details the penalties incurred for counterfeiting or falsifying banknotes authorized by law, as well as for the use or introduction of such counterfeit banknotes on French territory. The penalties mentioned include forced labor for life.

The entire banknote is written in Latin script, testifying to the linguistic and legal context of the time.