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10 Centimes - Chambre de Commerce de Cholet 49
| Issuer | Chambre de Commerce de Cholet |
|---|---|
| Year | 1917 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | 10 Centimes (0.10) |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | The obverse presents a panoramic vignette of the town of Cholet across the upper portion, framed by ornate guilloche borders with columnar motifs at each corner. The large denomination numeral '10' in bold letterpress anchors the centre, flanked by two circular medallions with crossed motifs and wheat sheaf underprint details. The inscriptions 'La Couture' and 'Le Voyage' appear in the mid-field, with the city arms at lower centre and the designer's signature 'CH. ARNAULT 17' to the lower right, above the foot legend 'VILLE DE CHOLET'. |
|---|---|
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | The reverse is designed in imitation of the contemporary French 10-centime Lindauer coin, with a large circular coin vignette centred on the field. Within the vignette, the denomination '10 Cmes' is rendered in bold numerals, surrounded by a plain raised rim. Above the vignette, the issuing authority 'Chambre de Commerce de Cholet' is inscribed in cursive script, while the validity clause 'Valable jusqu'en 1920' and the issue year '1917' appear below in matching hand-lettered style. |
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| Comments |
During World War One, the near-total withdrawal of small metal coins from circulation forced hundreds of French municipal and commercial bodies to issue emergency paper tokens. Cholet's Chambre de Commerce was among them, producing this miniature fractional note under the authority granted by decree in 1917. The pieces were never meant to outlast the coin shortage, and most were redeemed and pulped — survival in any condition is not guaranteed.
Charles Arnault designed the series. The watermark is the one security feature that distinguishes genuine examples from the period reprints and facsimiles that occasionally surface.