Banknote France 20 francs - Ville de Lille - 28-11-1916 - Série D9 316

This 20 Franc note is a communal bond issued by the city of Lille, dated November 28, 1916, and bearing the serial number D9 316. It is a form of emergency currency, issued in a context where traditional financial resources were limited.

The obverse of the note features the words "VILLE DE LILLE" in capital letters, followed by "BON COMMUNAL" indicating its nature. The face value, "VINGT FRANCS", is clearly indicated. There is also a reference to the deliberation of the Municipal Council of December 15, 1917, approved by the Prefect of the North, officializing its issuance. The signatures of the Municipal Receiver and the Mayor also appear on this side.

The reverse of the note contains a legal warning, citing Article 139 of the Penal Code, which provides for severe penalties, including forced labor for life, for counterfeiting or falsifying banknotes authorized by law, as well as for the use or introduction of such counterfeit banknotes on French territory. It is specified that the note is only valid if it is stamped with the dry stamp of the City's Control Service, adding an additional security measure against counterfeiting.

The printer of this note is L. Danel, based in Lille, France, information that also appears on the back of the document. All of these elements suggest local production in a context of a shortage of national means of payment, during a period of unrest or economic crisis.