Catalog
1 Franc - Chambre de Commerce de Dunkerque 59
| Issuer | Chambre de Commerce de Dunkerque |
|---|---|
| Year | |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | 1 Franc |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Size | Log in to see details |
| Shape | Log in to see details |
| Printer | Log in to see details |
| Designer(s) | Log in to see details |
| Engraver(s) | Log in to see details |
| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
| Reference(s) | Log in to see details |
| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | The reverse is printed in deep blue with a strongly geometric letterpress design. Two large circular vignettes, each containing the bold numeral 1, are set symmetrically side by side and each anchored by a maritime anchor motif below, referencing Dunkerque's seafaring character. The border is composed of concentric ruled frames with dotted outer edging and flanking foliate oak-leaf sprays at the sides, while the issuer name CHAMBRE DE COMMERCE appears in a ruled panel at the top and DUNKERQUE in a corresponding panel at the bottom. |
| Reverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Signature(s) | Log in to see details |
| Protection type | Watermark |
| Protection description | Log in to see details |
| Variants | Log in to see details |
| Comments |
French chambers of commerce were authorized to issue emergency paper money during World War One when the national banking system could not maintain adequate small-denomination coin circulation — bronze and nickel having been hoarded or diverted to war production. Dunkirk's chamber issued this 1 Franc note under that authority, with Imprimerie Chaix handling the print run in Paris. Chaix was better known for railway timetables and poster work, but took on considerable emergency currency contracts during the conflict.
The JP#54 reference covers four catalogue variants across this denomination, distinguished primarily by serial number ranges and minor typographic differences in the obligation text.