The BCEAO's bimetallic franc CFA series, introduced in the 1990s, replaced older single-metal issues as the monetary union sought greater counterfeit resistance across its eight member states — Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal, and Togo. The sea turtle reverse is part of a broader wildlife-themed circulation program that distinguishes denominations by species rather than numerals alone, a practical concession to high illiteracy rates across the zone.
Guinea-Bissau joined the CFA franc zone only in 1997, making it the newest member and the only former Portuguese colony in the union.
The BCEAO's bimetallic franc CFA series, introduced in the 1990s, replaced older single-metal issues as the monetary union sought greater counterfeit resistance across its eight member states — Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal, and Togo. The sea turtle reverse is part of a broader wildlife-themed circulation program that distinguishes denominations by species rather than numerals alone, a practical concession to high illiteracy rates across the zone.
Guinea-Bissau joined the CFA franc zone only in 1997, making it the newest member and the only former Portuguese colony in the union.