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25 Francs
| Issuer | Caisse d'Échange, Orléans |
|---|---|
| Year | 1801-1802 |
| Type | Standard circulation banknote |
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| Obverse description | The obverse is framed by a decorative guilloche border with the denomination numeral '25' repeated in the upper corners. At upper left, a small oval vignette contains an allegorical figure. The heading 'Caisse d'Echange' is set in large letterpress type, followed by the address 'Rue du Colombier, No. 12, à ORLÉANS.' The body text, in a cursive hand-printed style, certifies the payment of 'Vingt-Cinq Francs' in copper coinage redeemable on demand, with manuscript date, handwritten signatures, and the notation 'Entré en Caisse' at right. At the lower left, 'Série A.' and a manuscript serial number are present. |
|---|---|
| Obverse lettering | Caisse d'Echange Rue du Colombier, No. 12, à ORLÉANS. Il a été versé Vingt-Cinq Francs à la Caisse d'Echange, en monnoie de Cuivre, qui seront remis au Porteur de vue. — Orléans, le No. Moyennant la bonification de la différence, le Porteur recevra en Argent ou en Papier sur Paris. Entré en Caisse Série A. No. |
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| Comments |
The Caisse d'Échange was one of several short-lived regional exchange institutions that emerged in France during the Consulate period, filling a credit vacuum left by the collapse of assignats and the not-yet-consolidated Banque de France. Orléans, as a significant Loire Valley commercial hub, had genuine need for local paper instruments — the national banking infrastructure had not yet reached provincial merchants in any practical way.
These caisses were abolished or absorbed within a few years as the Banque de France extended its reach. The narrow window of operation — roughly 1801 to 1802 — means surviving notes reflect almost no extended circulation history.