Banknote France 2 Francs - Chambre de commerce - Limoges - 1918

This 2-franc banknote was issued by the Limoges Chamber of Commerce in 1918. It is a type of emergency currency issued in France during the First World War to compensate for the shortage of coinage.

The front of the banknote features the inscription "CHAMBRE DE COMMERCE DE LIMOGES" at the top, followed by the face value "DEUX FRANCS". A serial number, here "26247", is printed on the side. The signatures of the President, Vice-President, and Treasurer are affixed, attesting to the validity of the banknote. The initials "CCL" of the Limoges Chamber of Commerce also appear. The printer's name, "IMP. P. DUMONT A LIMOGES", is mentioned at the bottom.

The back of the banknote contains text specifying that this banknote is guaranteed by a deposit of an equivalent sum with the Public Treasury and that it had to be presented for reimbursement before January 1, 1923. This type of mention was common on banknotes issued by chambers of commerce to reassure the public about their value.

The banknote incorporates a watermark representing bees. The bee is a symbol often associated with industry and economic activity, which is appropriate for a banknote issued by a chamber of commerce.

The printer of this banknote was Imprimerie Pierre Dumont, located in Limoges, France. The local printer was often called upon to produce these emergency banknotes due to the need to respond quickly to the needs of the population and local businesses.