Banknote France 10 Centimes - City of Lille - Bon communal - 31-10-1917 - Serial D

This 10-cent note is a communal bond issued by the city of Lille, France, dated October 31, 1917. This was a period when French cities issued their own currency due to shortages of small change during World War I.

The obverse of the note features the inscription "VILLE DE LILLE" at the top, followed by "BON COMMUNAL" indicating its nature. The face value of "10 Cents" is clearly displayed. An important note specifies that the bond is "GUARANTEED BY THE CITY" and "REDEEMABLE AT THE MUNICIPAL TREASURY" from the sixth month after the conclusion of peace. This clause reflects the context of war and the economic uncertainty of the time. The note also bears mention of the deliberation of the Municipal Council of October 31, 1917, approved by the Prefectoral Authority, thus ensuring its legitimacy. The signatures of the MUNICIPAL RECEIVER and the MAYOR are present, authenticating the document. A note specifies that the bond is only valid if it bears the stamp of the City Control Service.

The reverse of the note repeats the inscription "VILLE DE LILLE - BON COMMUNAL" as well as the value "10 CENTIMES". The "SERIE D" indicates a specific numbering or emission batch. The name of the printer, "DELEMAR & DUBAR LILLE", also appears on the back, identifying the company responsible for printing the note.

This communal bond is a testament to the local history and economic challenges faced by the city of Lille during World War I. It represents a form of emergency money issued to facilitate daily transactions during periods of official currency shortages. The presence of legal mentions and official signatures underlines the importance given to the credibility of this alternative means of payment.