Banknote France 50 Centimes - Chambre de Commerce - Bordeaux - 1921 - Série 12

This 50 centime banknote, issued by the Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce in 1921, represents a form of emergency currency issued in a particular economic context. It belongs to Series 12.

The obverse of the banknote features a cornucopia on the right, ending with a bust of Mercury wearing a winged helmet. A central medallion, located at the bottom, displays the stern of a ship. The inscriptions "CHAMBRE DE COMMERCE DE BORDEAUX" and "CINQUANTE CENTIMES" are clearly visible, along with the mentions "le Trésorier" and "le Président". The motto "QUO NON HAC DUCE" and the date "1705" are also present.

The reverse of the banknote depicts a central medallion adorned with a woman's face, whose hair is decorated with bunches of grapes. The edges of this medallion are integrated into a winged caduceus, flanked by a horizontal bar adorned with pine cones. The inscriptions ".C.C.B C.C.B." and "50c 50c" are present, as well as information relating to the 1921 issue, specifying that the bonds are redeemable at any time, but before December 31, 1926, by the public funds of the district and at the Banque de France in Bordeaux. It is also indicated that the equivalent value of these bonds is deposited in the Public Treasury. The names of F.M. ROGANEAU INV ET DEL and WETTERWALD FRERES IMP appear, indicating the engraver and printer respectively.

François-Maurice Roganeau is credited as the engraver and designer of this banknote. The absence of a watermark is to be noted. The printing was carried out by Wetterwald Frères, located in Bordeaux, France.