Banknote France 50 Centimes - Chambre de Commerce - Bayonne - Série bbb - 30-01-1918

This 50 centime note was issued by the Bayonne Chamber of Commerce in France, following a deliberation dated January 30, 1918. It is an emergency issue, intended to compensate for the lack of fractional currency during the First World War. The note is printed in black on light-colored paper.

The obverse of the note features the inscription "CHAMBRE DE COMMERCE DE BAYONNE" at the top, followed by the mention of the deliberation of January 30, 1918. The face value, "50 centimes", is clearly indicated in the center. The signatures of the Treasurer and the President of the Chamber of Commerce also appear on this side. The note bears the series "bbb" and a unique identification number. A statement specifies that the note is exchangeable for Banque de France notes.

The reverse of the note bears the inscription "DEPARTEMENT DES BASSES-PYRENEES". An important indication stipulates that this note must be presented for redemption before June 1, 1923. This redemption deadline underscores the temporary nature of this emergency currency issue.

The writing used on the note is in Latin, reflecting the common usage for official documents of the time. This note bears witness to a particular period in French economic history, marked by the constraints linked to the war and the need to implement alternative solutions to ensure local trade.