Catalog
| Issuer | Western African States |
|---|---|
| Year | 1972-2011 |
| Type | Commemorative circulation coin |
| Value | 50 Francs CFA |
| Currency | CFA franc (1958-date) |
| Composition | Copper-nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel) |
| Weight | 5 g |
| Diameter | 22 mm |
| Thickness | 1.6 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Engraver(s) | Raymond Joly |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | KM#6, Schön#14 |
| 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 a mixture of beans, grains, and nuts. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering |
UNION MONETAIRE OUEST-AFRICAINE 50 FRANCS 1989 (Translation: West African Monetary Union 50 Francs 1989) |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Mint |
Monnaie de Paris, Paris (and Pessac starting 1973), France (864-date) |
| Mintage |
1972 - - 20 011 000 1974 - - 3 000 000 1975 - - 9 000 000 1976 - - 8 002 000 1978 - - 7 200 000 1979 - - 4 200 000 1980 - - 7 200 000 1981 - - 6 000 000 1982 - - 12 000 000 1984 - - 25 500 000 1987 - - 10 000 000 1989 - - 17 008 000 1990 - - 7 504 000 1991 - - 5 611 000 1992 - - 7 000 000 1993 - - 2 800 000 1995 - - 5 480 000 1996 - - 20 480 000 1997 - - 25 760 000 1999 - - 25 168 000 2000 - - 17 050 000 2001 - - 8 496 000 2002 - - 24 000 000 2003 - - 10 000 000 2004 - - 4 600 000 2005 - - 2006 - - 2007 - - 2009 - - 2010 - - 2011 - - |
| Numisquare ID | 5392356540 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: Issued by the Western African States from 1972 to 2011, the 50 Francs CFA coin signifies a crucial era of post-colonial monetary integration. As the common currency for the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), pegged initially to the French Franc then the Euro, it facilitated regional trade and stability. This extensive issuance period highlights the CFA Franc's enduring role in member nations' financial landscape, reflecting a collective commitment to economic policy.
Artistry: While a specific engraver is generally uncredited, the coin's design reflects a post-colonial aesthetic, merging French minting traditions with West African symbolism. The obverse commonly features an allegorical African woman's head facing right, often with traditional or agricultural motifs, symbolizing regional prosperity. The reverse displays "50 FRANCS CFA" surrounded by agricultural symbols like maize or cotton, emphasizing the member states' economic foundations. This design embodies a stylistic school focused on national identity.
Technical/Grading: Struck in a robust copper-nickel alloy (75% copper, 25% nickel), this 50 Francs CFA coin weighs 5 grams and measures 22 millimeters, notably non-magnetic. Key high-points for assessing wear include the intricate details of the allegorical woman's hair and facial features on the obverse, and the tips of agricultural symbols surrounding the reverse denomination. Higher grade examples (AU to UNC) are prized, especially those retaining original luster and showing minimal bag marks. Its durable composition ensures good detail preservation despite extensive circulation.