Banknote France 20 Francs - Ville - Roubaix-Tourcoing - 4éme Série - 4173

This French emergency banknote has a face value of 20 francs. It was issued by the towns of Roubaix and Tourcoing, located in the Nord department of France.

This is a banknote from the 4th series, bearing the number 4173. Its issuance falls within the context of the Nécessités Communes et Villes period of 1914-1918, linked to the economic and financial constraints of the First World War.

These emergency banknotes were issued locally by municipalities, chambers of commerce, or businesses to compensate for the lack of circulating fiduciary currency during this period of crisis. They facilitated trade and maintained minimal economic activity.

The association of the towns of Roubaix and Tourcoing on this banknote demonstrates local collaboration to address the economic difficulties of the time. These two towns, geographically close and linked by their industrial history, joined forces to issue a local currency and meet the needs of their populations.

This type of emergency banknote is a valuable testimony to the economic and social history of France during the First World War. It reflects the difficulties faced by local populations and the initiatives put in place to address them. It is a collectible item sought after by numismatists and collectors of local history.