Banknote France 50 Cents - Chamber of Commerce - Calais - 1916 - Série 103

This 50 centime note was issued by the Calais Chamber of Commerce in 1916, part of Series 103. It is a form of emergency money issued during a period of economic hardship.

On the front, the note features the inscription "CHAMBRE DE COMMERCE DE CALAIS" in capital letters, highlighting the issuing authority. Below, one can read "Délibération du 14 janvier 1916", indicating the date of the decision authorizing the issuance of this note. The face value, "50 CENTIMES", is clearly displayed in the center. The signatures of the Treasurer and the President of the Chamber of Commerce are also present, authenticating the note. The printer's name, "IMP. B.ARNAUD LYON - PARIS", appears at the bottom, identifying the company responsible for the printing.

The reverse of the note bears the indication "0F.50", representing the value in francs. An important note specifies the terms of reimbursement: "Remboursement en billets de la Banque de France un an après la signature de la paix." This clause assures the noteholders that it can be exchanged for official currency after the end of the conflict. The text continues by stipulating that "Dans un délai de cinq ans après cette date, tous les billets encore en circulation devront êtres présentés au remboursement.", setting a time limit for the exchange. The printer, B. Arnaud de Villeurbanne, is also mentioned, this company having been active from 1898 to 1990.

This note testifies to the local initiatives taken to overcome the lack of liquidity during the First World War, where the Chambers of Commerce played a crucial role in the issuance of emergency money.