Banknote France 50 Cents - Chamber of Commerce - Rouen - n°274.091 - 1918

This 50 centime note was issued by the Rouen Chamber of Commerce in 1918. It is a local issue of necessity, produced in a particular economic context linked to the events of the First World War.

On the front, the words "VILLE DE ROUEN" appear at the top of the note, followed by "CHAMBRE DE COMMERCE DE ROUEN". The year of issue, "1918", is also indicated. The face value, "50 CENTIMES", is clearly visible. The signatures of the Mayor and the President of the Chamber of Commerce are present. A serial number, here "n° 274.091", allows each note to be identified individually. The mention "IMP. RICHARD, PARIS" indicates the printer responsible for the manufacture of the note.

The reverse of the note bears an inscription stating that "The Treasury has received the equivalent value...". Reference is made to the deliberations of the Municipal Council and the Chamber of Commerce of August 17, 1914, which authorized this issue of local currency. This mention underlines the official nature and the guarantee of value of this note.

The note incorporates a watermark representing bees, a motif often associated with industry and economic activity. Imprimerie Richard, based in Paris, is mentioned as the printer responsible for the production of this note. The dimensions of the note are 118 mm in length and 79 mm in width. All the inscriptions are written in Latin.