Catalog
| Issuer | Western African States |
|---|---|
| Year | 1967-2005 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 100 Francs CFA |
| Currency | CFA franc (1958-date) |
| Composition | Nickel |
| Weight | 7.00 g |
| Diameter | 26 mm |
| Thickness | 2.0 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Engraver(s) | Raymond Joly |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | KM#4, Schön#15 |
| 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 (Translation: Central Bank of [the] West African States) |
| Reverse description | Denomination within flowers |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering |
100 FRANCS UNION MONETAIRE OUEST-AFRICAINE 2002 (Translation: West African Monetary Union) |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Mint |
Monnaie de Paris, Paris (and Pessac starting 1973), France (864-date) |
| Mintage |
1967 - - 1968 - - 25 000 000 1969 - - 25 000 000 1970 - - 4 510 000 1971 - - 12 000 000 1972 - - 5 000 000 1973 - - 5 000 000 1974 - - 8 500 000 1975 - - 16 000 000 1976 - - 11 575 000 1977 - - 6 200 000 1978 - - 12 000 000 1979 - - 12 400 000 1980 - - 13 000 000 1981 - - 8 000 000 1982 - - 18 000 000 1984 - - 2 500 000 1985 - - 1 460 000 1987 - - 9 000 000 1989 - - 16 500 000 1990 - - 6 500 000 1991 - - 1 000 000 1992 - - 4 000 000 1996 - - 24 000 000 1997 - - 69 000 000 2000 - - 1 800 000 2001 - - 4 500 000 2002 - - 18 500 000 2003 - - 5 000 000 2004 - - 4 000 000 2005 - - |
| Numisquare ID | 1836298720 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: The 100 Francs CFA coin for the Western African States, issued from 1967 to 2005, signifies a crucial period of post-colonial economic unity. Managed by the Banque Centrale des États de l'Afrique de l'Ouest (BCEAO), it served multiple sovereign nations within the West African Monetary Union (UEMOA). Its extended circulation highlights its role as a stable common currency, facilitating regional trade and economic cohesion, underpinned by a fixed parity with the French Franc and subsequently the Euro.
Artistry: Specific engraver attribution is not commonly documented for this circulating series, which aligns with a functionalist and symbolic design ethos. The obverse prominently displays a stylized antelope head, representing the region's diverse fauna. The reverse features agricultural motifs like maize, coffee, and groundnuts, encircling the "100 FRANCS CFA" denomination and the issuing authority. This iconography effectively conveys both the natural heritage and the agricultural foundation of the member states.
Technical/Grading: Struck in nickel (7.00g, 26mm), these coins typically exhibit a consistent, though often somewhat flat, strike characteristic of high-volume circulation issues. Key high-points for wear assessment include the antelope's horn and ear tips on the obverse. On the reverse, the raised elements of the agricultural produce and the lettering are crucial. While uncirculated examples retain good original luster, extensive use means most encountered specimens show toning and contact marks.