Banknote France 10 Francs - Ville - Saint-Quentin - 06-03-1916 - Série F

This 10-franc note is a municipal bond issued by the city of Saint-Quentin on March 6, 1916, during the First World War. It belongs to Series F and bears the number 82667.

The obverse of the note, printed in green and black, features the coat of arms of Saint-Quentin at the top left, representing a blazon with a religious figure. The face value of "10 Francs" is written in large letters in the center and repeated on the right in a green frame. The inscription "VILLE DE SAINT-QUENTIN ? Bon Municipal de Dix Francs" appears in the header. A statement specifies that the bond is "Redeemable upon presentation to the Municipal Revenue Office, three months after the signing of the peace," highlighting its role as a substitute currency in wartime. The signature of the delegated municipal councilor is visible, and a circular stamp of the "RECETTE MUNICIPALE DE ST-QUENTIN" attests to its validity. The statement "This bond is only valid with the stamp" reinforces this condition. The name of the printer, "Imprimerie Générale St-Quentin," is also mentioned.

The reverse of the note features a decorative green and symmetrical design. The face value "10" is repeated in the corners. The initials "S.Q.," probably for Saint-Quentin, are discreetly integrated into the motif. A large central medallion displays the number "10" surrounded by a crown of foliage. An additional black stamp, bearing the words "TRÉSOR ET POSTES," indicates administrative validation of the bond.

This type of municipal bond was issued by many French cities during the First World War to compensate for the shortage of metallic currency, requisitioned for the war effort. These bonds served as local currency, accepted by merchants and redeemable after the end of the conflict. Saint-Quentin, located near the front, was particularly affected and issued several series of these emergency bonds. This note is therefore a testament to the economic and social history of the city during this difficult period.