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50 centimes - Chambre de Commerce de Calais [62]
| Issuer | Chambre de Commerce de Calais |
|---|---|
| Year | 1915 |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Size | 117 × 77 mm |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
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| Reverse description | Brown and ochre reverse with a dense geometric guilloche border and a repeated 'CHAMBRE DE COMMERCE DE CALAIS' text underprint across the field. A large cross-shaped ochre underprint occupies the centre, within which a circular panel carries the redemption conditions in letterpress text. The denomination '0,50' appears in large ghost numerals on either side of the central panel, and a red circular dry stamp of the Chambre de Commerce de Calais with the arms of Calais is applied at the right. |
| Reverse lettering | REMBOURSEMENT EN BILLETS DE LA BANQUE DE FRANCE UN AN APRÈS LA SIGNATURE DE LA PAIX. DANS UN DÉLAI DE CINQ ANS APRÈS CETTE DATE, TOUS LES BILLETS ENCORE EN CIRCULATION DEVRONT ÊTRE PRÉSENTÉS AU REMBOURSEMENT. CHAMBRE DE COMMERCE DE CALAIS |
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| Comments |
French chambres de commerce were authorized to issue small-denomination emergency notes (monnaie de nécessité) by a decree of 30 July 1914, as the outbreak of war triggered an immediate hoarding crisis that stripped coins from everyday commerce almost overnight. Calais was particularly exposed — a major Channel port under significant military pressure, with civilian commerce still needing to function despite the disruptions of mobilization.
Imprimerie B. Arnaud operated out of Lyon but handled a substantial share of provincial chamber issues during the war years, supplying multiple northern issuers simultaneously. The JP#36.7 à 14 range indicates several distinct varieties exist within this type, likely differentiated by date, signature combination, or serial block.