Banknote France 10 francs - City of Lille - 31-08-1914 - Série N 171

This 10 franc banknote is a communal bond issued by the city of Lille, dated August 31, 1914, and bears the serial number N 171. It is an emergency issue, implemented in a context where the usual means of payment were disrupted.

The obverse of the banknote features the words "VILLE DE LILLE" in capital letters, followed by "BON COMMUNAL" indicating its nature. The guarantee of this bond is specified by the mention "Guaranteed by the city", followed by the nominal value "DIX FRANCS". It is specified that the issue was approved by the Prefect of the North and that it results from a deliberation of the Municipal Council of August 31, 1914. The signatures of the Municipal Receiver and the Mayor also appear on this side.

The reverse of the banknote contains a legal warning, recalling Article 139 of the Penal Code which punishes with forced labor for life the counterfeiting or falsification of banknotes, as well as the use or introduction of such counterfeit banknotes on French territory. It is also stipulated that the banknote is only valid if it is stamped with the dry stamp of the City Control Service, thus ensuring its authenticity. The name of the printer, "Imprimerie L. Danel, Lille, France", is mentioned at the bottom of this side.

The banknote testifies to the particular circumstances of its issue, where the city of Lille had to implement alternative monetary solutions to ensure the continuity of economic exchanges. Its graphics and legal notices reflect the imperatives of security and public confidence that were essential in such a context.