10 Centimes - Chambre Syndicale des Commerçants - Perpignan [66] Copper

Historical Context: This 10 Centimes token, issued in 1924 by the Chambre Syndicale des Commerçants of Perpignan, emerges from a period of significant economic upheaval in post-World War I France. During the Third Republic, a severe shortage of official small denomination coinage led numerous communes and merchant associations, like that in Perpignan (department 66), to issue their own necessity tokens. These emergency issues served as crucial local currency, facilitating daily commerce amidst national monetary instability and inflation.

Artistry: While the specific engraver for this Perpignan token remains unrecorded, its design adheres to the pragmatic aesthetic typical of French jetons de nécessité. Stylistically, these pieces prioritize legibility and clear communication of the issuer and denomination over intricate artistic embellishment. The design would have prominently featured the issuing body's name and the 10 centimes value, often in a straightforward, utilitarian manner, reflecting the urgent need for functional currency rather than high numismatic art.

Technical/Grading: Struck in copper, this 23 mm token weighing 4.8 grams exhibits characteristics common to locally produced emergency coinage. Key areas for assessing wear and strike quality include the raised lettering of the Chambre Syndicale's name and the numerical denomination, which are typically the highest points. Collectors should also inspect for common technical flaws such as uneven strikes, planchet imperfections, and environmental damage like verdigris or heavy toning, which can affect copper tokens of this era.