France, Louis XV (1715-1774). Silver medal / jeton 1738, Bayonne Chamber of Commerce, NUNQUAM POLLUTA, Feuardent 9260, Silver 28,0 mm, weight 7,20 g., Condition XF/aUNC, beautiful patina
The first chamber of commerce was that of Marseille, established in the late 16th century. In Paris, six corps des marchands and juges-consuls served a role similar to that of a chamber of commerce: an association of merchants gathered to discuss the interests of their city or region and present their opinions to the government. Colbert legalized it in 1664, stipulating that each trade center should elect two of its members to represent it. However, the institution wasn't really established until the Council Decree of August 30, 1701, and numerous chambers of commerce appeared in the 18th century in Lyon, Rouen, Toulouse, Montpellier, Bordeaux, etc.
The most important of these was Marseilles, which was responsible for all trade with the Levant and was under the Department of Foreign Affairs, while others were under the General Control of Finance. Suppressed by the Constituent Assembly in 1791, the Chambers of Commerce were reestablished under the Consulate. Since 1832, they have been recruited through elections, and since 1898 they have become chambers of commerce and industry, grouped into 21 regional chambers.
Source: CBG Numismatics Paris
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France, Louis XV (1715-1774). Silver medal / jeton 1738, Bayonne Chamber of Commerce, NUNQUAM POLLUTA, Feuardent 9260, Silver 28,0 mm, weight 7,20 g., Condition XF/aUNC, beautiful patina