Banknote France 50 Cents - Chamber of Commerce - Châteauroux - 1916

This 50 centime note was issued by the Chamber of Commerce of Châteauroux, France, dated January 6, 1916. It is a voucher issued in a context where small denominations were needed to facilitate daily transactions, probably due to the economic disruptions linked to the First World War.

The front of the note features several important inscriptions. The mention "CHAMBRE DE COMMERCE DE CHATEAUROUX" is found in capital letters, indicating the issuing institution. Below, the face value "BON DE 50 CENTIMES" is clearly displayed. The signatures of the Treasurer and the President of the Chamber of Commerce are also present, attesting to the validity of the note. A mention specifies that the issue was approved by the Higher Administration, thus highlighting the legitimacy of this means of payment.

The printer, IMP. BADEL CHATEAUROUX, is mentioned at the bottom of the note, allowing to identify the company responsible for its manufacture. The Badel printing house was located in Châteauroux, which indicates a local production of these emergency banknotes.

This type of note issued by a chamber of commerce is a testament to the economic adaptations put in place during periods of crisis, where local institutions compensated for the shortcomings of official currency to maintain economic activity.