Banknote France 50 Cents - Chamber of Commerce - Châteauroux - 1920

Remarks:

Salissures

This 50 centime banknote was issued by the Chamber of Commerce of Châteauroux in 1920. It is a type of banknote issued locally in France, often during periods of national currency shortage.

On the front of the banknote, the inscription "CHAMBRE DE COMMERCE DE CHATEAUROUX" is written in capital letters. The year of issue, "1920", is clearly indicated, as well as a date, "10 MAI". A serial number, "45583", is also present. The face value, "50 CENTIMES", is mentioned in full. The mentions "Le Trésorier" (The Treasurer) and "Le Président" (The President) suggest the signatures of the officials responsible for the issue. The inscription "IMP. BADEL CHATEAUROUX" indicates the local printer responsible for the banknote's production.

The back of the banknote bears the inscription "La contre-valeur est déposée au trésor" (The counter-value is deposited in the treasury), informing the holder that the value of the banknote is guaranteed by funds held by the treasury. It is also specified that "Le remboursement aura lieu aux caisses publiques de l'Indre" (Reimbursement will take place at the public treasuries of the Indre), indicating the places where the banknote could be exchanged for national currency. A validity date is mentioned: "Ce billet est valable jusqu'au 10 mai 1925" (This banknote is valid until May 10, 1925). The watermark represents bees, a motif possibly linked to local economic activity or a symbol of the city. The printer is again identified as "Imprimerie Badel, Châteauroux, France".

This banknote testifies to a time when local chambers of commerce could issue their own temporary currency to facilitate economic exchanges in their region.