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1 Franc - Chambre de Commerce du Havre 76
| Issuer | Chambre de Commerce du Havre et Ville du Havre |
|---|---|
| Year | 1916 |
| Type | Local banknote |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | The obverse is printed in dark blue on cream paper and centres on a bold letterpress denomination legend BON DE UN FRANC, beneath which an italic line declares the note exchangeable against Banque de France notes. The upper portion carries the arms of Le Havre — a crowned shield flanked by supporters — surmounted by the civic motto NUTRISCO ET EXTINGUO on a ribbon, with the joint issuing authorities named on flanking scrolls. A fine guilloche underprint of repeated text fills the central field, while the ornate border incorporates Commerce and Navigation allegorical roundels at each side, corner floral devices, and a serial number cartouche at foot bearing the typeset number. |
|---|---|
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| Protection type | Watermark, Underprint |
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| Comments |
French chambers of commerce were authorized to issue emergency small-denomination notes in 1914 after the wartime hoarding of coins created a near-total breakdown in retail transactions. Le Havre, as one of France's principal Atlantic ports and still functioning as a significant supply conduit despite the war, had particular need for small change in commercial circulation. The Chambre de Commerce du Havre issued under dual authority — both the chamber itself and the municipality — which is why both names appear on the obligation.
Oberthur in Rennes was the dominant supplier for these emergency issues across dozens of French chambers. The watermark and underprint security on JP#68-15 are more rigorous than many provincial equivalents from the same period.