French Emergency Money
On commencement of First World War in 1914, France immediately suspended use of gold coins and the conversion of banknotes to gold. As inflation grew, French coins were used for its gold and silver content rather than for transactions. So, small transactions became very difficult.
In August 1914, the Chamber of Commerce of Paris issued small bearer bonds in denominations of 0.25F, 0.5F, 1F, 2F that would be legal tender among the Paris merchants, that agreed to accept them. As financial backing, the Chamber of Commerce would place an equivalent amount of cash on deposit with the Banque de France. The Chambers of Commerce of other cities throughout France implemented the same mechanism as done in Paris, and issued their own bearer bonds / notes for local use.
This is a note issued by BOURGES Chamber of Commerce of 1 Franc in 1917 (MCMXVII). The validity of this note is till June 30, 1922.
Note has Signatures of The Treasurer & The President of the Chamber.
