2000 Francs Stonegaze Basilisk

The Bank of Central African States — the BEAC — issues currency on behalf of six member nations: Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon. Bullion commemoratives like this one are not legal tender in the conventional sense; they circulate internationally among collectors while the CFA franc handles daily commerce. The BEAC has increasingly leaned on fantasy creature themes to move product in the global numismatic market, competing directly with Perth Mint and Pobjoy-style licensees.

The basilisk motif appears across multiple issuing authorities simultaneously in recent years — a sign of licensing arrangements rather than any particular cultural connection to Central Africa.