Banknote France 1 Franc - Ville - Roubaix-Tourcoing - 2ème série

This 1 franc banknote is an issue from the cities of Roubaix and Tourcoing, belonging to the second series of their local monetary issues. The front of the banknote features the face value "1fc" repeated in the upper and lower corners. The inscription "VILLES DE ROUBAIX ET DE TOURCOING" is prominently displayed, followed by the designation "BON DE MONNAIE DEUXIÈME SÉRIE". The value "UN FRANC" is also indicated.

A control number, here "14653", and a banknote number, "1146", are printed on the front. The guarantee of reimbursement is stipulated by the issuing cities, with a clause specifying that reimbursement will take place from the sixth month following the conclusion of peace. An important note emphasizes that the banknote must bear the dry stamp of one of the two cities to be valid. The name of the printer, "Louis Debode, Imp, Roubaix", is also mentioned.

The back of the banknote displays 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 article details the penal sanctions, including forced labor for life, for counterfeiting or falsifying banknotes authorized by law, as well as for the use or introduction of such counterfeit banknotes on French territory. The names of the two cities, "ROUBAIX" and "TOURCOING", are inscribed at the bottom of the banknote.

All inscriptions are written in Latin, emphasizing the official and legal nature of the monetary document. This banknote testifies to a time when cities had the ability to issue their own currency in addition to the national currency, a practice often linked to specific economic or political circumstances.