Banknote France 50 Cents - Banque d'émission - Lille - 01-1915 - Série AZ 7761

This 50 centime banknote was issued by the Banque d'Émission de Lille in January 1915. It is a French banknote, issued during a period when local financial institutions could issue their own currency due to the exceptional circumstances of the First World War.

The obverse of the note features several distinctive elements. The denomination "50 CENTIMES" is clearly indicated, as well as the name of the issuing institution, "BANQUE D’ÉMISSION DE LILLE". The signatures of the managing director and the president are also present, authenticating the note. The text "SOCIÉTÉ ANONYME AU CAPITAL DE CENT - MILLE FRANCS" specifies the legal structure and capital of the bank. Two illustrated frames adorn the bottom of the note: on the left, a scene representing "L'INDUSTRIE FÉCONDE LE TRAVAIL" (Industry Fecundates Labor), and on the right, "LA SCIENCE ÉCLAIRE L'INDUSTRIE" (Science Illuminates Industry). The mention "DELEMAR & DUBAR IMP. LILLE" indicates the printer responsible for the banknote's production. The serial number is AZ 7761.

The reverse of the note contains a legal warning. The inscription quotes Article 139 of the Penal Code, which stipulates severe penalties, including forced labor for life, for counterfeiting or falsifying banknotes authorized by law, as well as for the use or introduction of such counterfeit notes on French territory. This legal text highlights the seriousness of crimes related to monetary counterfeiting and aims to deter such activities.