Banknote France 50 Centimes - Melun Chamber of Commerce 1915 - XF

This 50 centime note was issued by the Chamber of Commerce of Melun in France, dated October 15, 1915. This is an emergency issue, common during the First World War to compensate for the lack of cash.

The obverse of the note features an architectural frame. The inscriptions "CM" are found on either side of "CHAMBRE DE COMMERCE DE MELUN". The nominal value "CINQUANTE CENTIMES" is indicated in full. The signatures of the Treasurer and the President of the Chamber of Commerce are also present, along with the serial number "018671".

The reverse of the note features two central medallions. The left medallion displays three crowned heraldic shields, surmounted by a winged caduceus flanked by olive branches. The right medallion features a frame ornamented with a branch. The inscriptions "1915 - 1920" and "50. C" are repeated on each side. You can also read "CHAMBRE DE COMMERCE DE MELUN", as well as the cities of "MELUN - PROVINS - FONTAINEBLEAU". An important note specifies that the note had to be presented for redemption at the Banque de France in Melun before October 15, 1920. The year "1900" is also present on the note.

It should be noted that this note does not have a watermark. This type of emergency banknote testifies to the economic and social context of the time, marked by the constraints of the war and the need to maintain local trade.