Catalog
| Issuer | Western African States |
|---|---|
| Year | 1976-2011 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1 Franc CFA |
| Currency | CFA franc (1958-date) |
| Composition | Steel |
| Weight | 1.65 g |
| Diameter | 15 mm |
| Thickness | 1.5 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Engraver(s) | Jean-Pierre Réthoré |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | KM#8, Schön#17 |
| Obverse description | Emblem of Central Bank of West African States |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
BANQUE CENTRALE DES ETATS DE L`AFRIQUE DE L`OUEST JPR (Translation: Central Bank of the West African States JPR) |
| Reverse description | The denomination with the date below |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering |
1 FRANC UNION MONETAIRE OUEST-AFRICAINE 1978 JP. RĒTHORĒ (Translation: 1 Franc West African Monetary Union 1978) |
| Edge | Smooth |
| Mint |
Monnaie de Paris, Paris (and Pessac starting 1973), France (864-date) |
| Mintage |
1976 - - 8 000 000 1977 - - 15 700 000 1978 - - 21 840 000 1979 - - 16 560 000 1980 - - 13 000 000 1981 - - 2 000 000 1982 - - 6 000 000 1984 - - 33 400 000 1990 - - 10 000 000 1991 - - 3 477 000 1992 - - 6 000 000 1995 - - 3 000 000 1996 - - 3 000 000 1997 - - 1 500 000 1999 - - 4 000 000 2000 - - 50 000 2001 - - 2 350 000 2002 - - 1 600 000 2011 - lighter and thinner - |
| Numisquare ID | 4280790250 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: The 1 Franc CFA coin, issued by the Western African States from 1976 to 2011, reflects a significant era in post-colonial Francophone West Africa. This period was defined by the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), which maintained the CFA franc's peg to the French franc and later the Euro. This monetary policy fostered regional stability and economic integration, a complex legacy of French influence providing currency convertibility while sparking debates on economic sovereignty.
Artistry: Artistically, this coin adheres to a functional yet symbolically rich modern style, typical of circulating coinage. While specific engraver details are often unrecorded for such mass-produced issues, the design prominently features a stylized gazelle head on the obverse, often interpreted as an antelope or kudu. This motif powerfully symbolizes the region's abundant wildlife and natural heritage. The reverse typically displays the denomination and year, frequently encircled by an agricultural wreath, underscoring agrarian economies.
Technical/Grading: Struck in steel, this small coin, weighing 1.65 grams and measuring 15 millimeters, exhibits characteristics common to robust, high-volume issues. For grading, collectors should examine the highest points of the design: the gazelle's horns, ears, and the definition around its eye. On the reverse, the sharpness of the lettering and wreath details are critical. As a steel coin, it is susceptible to environmental toning and surface corrosion, though its hardness generally ensures a durable strike, with minor weakness sometimes observed in finer details.