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

This is a ten-franc municipal bond issued by the city of Saint-Quentin, dated March 6, 1916, during World War I. This note, from series I, served as a substitute currency due to the shortage of metallic currency.

The obverse of the note features a green and black background. At the top, it reads "VILLE DE SAINT-QUENTIN ? Bon Municipal de Dix Francs" (City of Saint-Quentin ? Municipal Ten Franc Bond). The face value, "10 Francs," is written in large letters in the center and repeated in a green frame on the right. The coat of arms of Saint-Quentin, depicting a shield with a religious figure, is located at the top left. A statement specifies that the bond is "Redeemable upon presentation to the Municipal Revenue Office, three months after the signing of peace," emphasizing its temporary role as local currency. The signature of the delegated municipal councilor is visible, followed by the bond number, "N° 10206". The mention "Deliberation of the Municipal Council of March 6, 1916" indicates the date of the issuance decision. A circular stamp bears the inscription "RECETTE MUNICIPALE DE ST-QUENTIN ? Série I" (Municipal Revenue Office of St-Quentin ? Series I), and the statement "Ce bon n?est valable que muni du timbre" (This bond is only valid with the stamp) confirms the importance of this seal for the validity of the note. The name of the printer, "Imprimerie Générale St-Quentin" (General Printing St-Quentin), is also mentioned.

The reverse features a symmetrical green decorative 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 foliage wreath. An additional black stamp, "TRÉSOR ET POSTES" (Treasury and Post Office), indicates an administrative validation of the bond.

This type of municipal bond was issued by many French cities during World War I to compensate for the lack of currency. Saint-Quentin, located near the front, was particularly affected by these shortages and issued several series of emergency bonds. These bonds were accepted by local merchants and redeemable after the end of the conflict, thus serving as temporary local currency.