Banknote France 50 Cents - Chambre de Commerce - Bayonne - Série iii - 30-01-1918

The 50 centime note issued by the Bayonne Chamber of Commerce, dated January 30, 1918, is a testament to French local monetary history. This note, printed in French, bears the essential inscriptions relating to its issuance and validity.

The obverse of the note features the words "CHAMBRE DE COMMERCE DE BAYONNE" in capital letters, identifying the issuing institution. The deliberation of January 30, 1918, the founding act of the issue, is also mentioned. The face value, "50 centimes", is clearly indicated. The signatures of the Treasurer and the President of the Chamber of Commerce appear, authenticating the note. The series, identified by the Roman numeral "iii" followed by a six-digit serial number, here "[004,317]", allows for tracking the issue. The mention "Echangeable contre des billets de la Banque de France" specifies the conditions for the note's convertibility.

The reverse of the note bears the mention "DEPARTEMENT DES BASSES-PYRENEES", geographically locating the issue. An important clause stipulates that "Ce billet devra être présenté au remboursement avant le [1er Juin 1923]", setting a deadline for its exchange. This date is crucial for understanding the context of the issue, probably related to a period of currency shortage or particular economic circumstances.

All of these elements, both on the obverse and reverse, provide essential information on the origin, value, and validity period of this 50 centime note issued by the Bayonne Chamber of Commerce during the First World War.