Banknote France 50 Centimes - Chambre de commerce - Paris - 1920 - Série H.39

This 50-centime banknote, issued by the Paris Chamber of Commerce in 1920, represents a form of emergency currency issued in a particular economic context. It belongs to the H.39 series and is distinguished by its geometric patterns framing the essential information.

On the front, an ornamental frame highlights a medallion featuring Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom and strategy, wearing a helmet and shown in three-quarter view. The inscriptions "CHAMBRE DE COMMERCE DE PARIS" and "CINQUANTE CENTIMES" indicate the issuer and the face value of the banknote. The signatures of the treasurer and the president of the Chamber of Commerce are also present, accompanied by the serial number "H.39" and the issue number "073.475". All of these elements are arranged with particular attention to visual balance.

The reverse of the banknote repeats the frame with geometric patterns, creating an aesthetic continuity. The main inscription informs the public that these banknotes were exchangeable for banknotes of the Banque de France until July 1, 1922, highlighting their temporary nature and their function as a replacement for official currency. The face value "0.50" is also repeated. The mention of the deliberation of the Paris Chamber of Commerce dated March 10, 1920, confers an official character to this issue. The absence of a watermark is a notable technical characteristic of this banknote.