Banknote France 1 Franc - Marseille - Chamber of Commerce - 12-08-1914 - Série 18-R

This 1 Franc note was issued by the Marseille Chamber of Commerce, dated August 12, 1914, and is part of the 18-R series. It represents a form of emergency currency issued in a particular economic context linked to the First World War.

The obverse of the note features the inscription "CHAMBRE DE COMMERCE DE MARSEILLE" at the top, followed by the face value "UN FRANC". It also includes the signatures of the Treasurer and the Delegate Members of the Chamber of Commerce. The name "SERIE 18-R" identifies the series of issue of the note. The name of Valère Bernard also appears, probably as the designer of the note.

The reverse of the note repeats the inscription "CHAMBRE DE COMMERCE DE MARSEILLE". It includes extracts from the deliberations of the Marseille Chamber of Commerce dated August 12, 1914, which could indicate the circumstances and justifications for the issuance of this type of currency. The name of the printer, "IMP MOULLOT MARSEILLE", is also mentioned, identifying the company responsible for printing the note. More specifically, it is the Imprimerie Moullot & fils aîné, located in Marseille.

All inscriptions are written in Latin. This note testifies to the role of local institutions, such as chambers of commerce, in managing finances and the economy in times of crisis. The issuance of such notes was a response to shortages of fiat currency and aimed to facilitate local economic transactions.