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

This 50 centime note was issued by the Rouen Chamber of Commerce in 1916. It was an emergency issue, intended to alleviate the shortage of small change during the First World War.

The front of the note features an ornamental frame of plant motifs. A central medallion depicts a winged caduceus, a symbol of commerce, flanked by two heraldic shields. The inscriptions "VILLE DE ROUEN" and "CHAMBRE DE COMMERCE DE ROUEN" indicate the institutions responsible for the issue. The face value, "50 CENTIMES", is clearly mentioned in numbers and letters. Legal notices specify that the issue was approved by the Higher Administration and guaranteed by the City and the Chamber of Commerce. The names of the Mayor and the President, as well as the printer "IMP. RICHARD, PARIS", also appear on this side.

The reverse of the note reproduces extracts of regulatory articles relating to the issue. Article 4 stipulates that the Banque de France will not exchange the bonds for a sum less than 20 francs. Article 5 specifies the conditions for reimbursement of the bonds, in particular the possibility of demanding reimbursement on sight for holders presenting at least 100 francs, or by supplementing with banknotes of the Banque de France or in cash for smaller amounts. Articles 6 and 7 concern the liquidation of the issue and the final reimbursement of the bonds, setting a deadline of three months for the exchange and an additional year for reimbursement by the Municipal Treasury, after which the holders would lose their rights.