Banknote France 1 Franc -Ville - Roubaix-Tourcoing - 20-07-1917 - 11ème série

This 1 franc banknote, issued by the cities of Roubaix and Tourcoing, dates from July 20, 1917 and belongs to the 11th series of this specific issue. It is a monetary voucher, guaranteed by the two cities and redeemable at the municipal revenue office of each of them from the sixth month following the conclusion of peace. The deliberations of the municipal councils were approved by the prefectural authority on July 28, 1917.

The front of the banknote shows the nominal value "1fc" repeated on both sides. The main inscription indicates "VILLES DE ROUBAIX ET DE TOURCOING" and "BON DE MONNAIE". The eighth series is also mentioned. An important clause stipulates 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 on the front.

On the back, we find the coats 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 article stipulates that the counterfeiting or falsification of banknotes authorized by law is punishable by forced labor for life, as is the use or introduction of such counterfeit banknotes on French territory.

This banknote testifies to an era when cities could issue their own currency in times of crisis or shortage of cash. The mention of article 139 of the Penal Code underlines the authorities' desire to deter any attempt at counterfeiting, a major concern at that time.