Banknote France 50 centimes - Chambre de Commerce - Bourges - 1915 - Série A

The 50-centime banknote issued by the Bourges Chamber of Commerce in 1915, Series A, is a testament to the emergency issues during World War I. This banknote, with a face value of fifty centimes of a franc, bears inscriptions in Latin.

The obverse of the banknote features the inscription "CHAMBRE DE COMMERCE DE BOURGES" in capital letters, followed by the value "CINQUANTE CENTIMES". The signatures of the Treasurer and the President of the Chamber of Commerce are affixed, authenticating the issue. The year of issue, "MCMXV" (1915), is clearly indicated. The graphic design is attributed to J. Tardy, with the mention "J. TARDY DEL." followed by the lithography workshop "LITH. Vve TARDY - PIGELET ET FILS - BOURGES". The name of the engraver, H. Richy, is also present with the mention "H. RICHY Sc."

The reverse of the banknote bears an inscription specifying the deadline for reimbursement: "It must, under penalty of prescription, be presented for reimbursement before October 31, 1920". A serial number, "A 386808", is printed to ensure tracking and identification of the banknote. The printer, "Tardy - Pigelet & fils, Bourges, France", is also mentioned.

This banknote, with its inscriptions and iconography, reflects the economic and administrative context of France during World War I. It testifies to the measures taken by local institutions to alleviate currency shortages and facilitate trade.