Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 100 Francs 1967-2005, KM# 4, West African States
  • 100 Francs 1967-2005, KM# 4, West African States
Description

The Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) is a central bank serving the eight west African countries which share the common West African CFA franc currency and comprise the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA): Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo.

Concept of on the reverse of 50, 100, 200, 250 & 500 Francs coins: the denomination is surrounded by agriculture produce.

Engraver: Raymond Joly

Obverse

Depicts a stylized sawfish, denomination and the bank's name.

Sawfishes, also known as carpenter sharks, are a family of rays characterized by a long, narrow, flattened rostrum, or nose extension, lined with sharp transverse teeth, arranged in a way that resembles a saw. They are among the largest fish with some species reaching lengths of about 7 m (23 ft). They are found worldwide in tropical and subtropical regions in coastal marine and brackish estuarine waters, as well as freshwater rivers and lakes.

A stylized sawfish was chosen by the Central Bank of the West African States to appear on coins and banknotes of the CFA currency. This was due to the mythological value representing fecundity and prosperity. The image takes its form from an Akan and Baoule bronze weight used for exchanges in the commercial trade of gold powder.

BANQUE CENTRALE DES ETATS DE L'AFRIQUE DE L'OUEST
RJ

Reverse

Denomination amid a spray or burst of flowers.

Mint mark of the Paris Mint (Monnaie de Paris in Pessac): Cornucopia (horn of plenty)

Privy marks of the General Engraver of the Paris Mint:
• 1962–1974: Owl (Raymond Joly)
• 1975–1993: Dolphin (Emile Rousseau)
• 1994–2000: Bee (Pierre Rodier)
• 2001–2002: Horseshoe (Gérard Buquoy)
• 2003: Heart with the initials of the mint master (Serge Levet)
• 2004–2010: Hunting horn with a wave and a fish (Hubert Larivière)

UNION MONETAIRE OUEST-AFRICAINE
100
FRANCS
2009

Edge

100 Francs

KM# 4 Schön# 15
Characteristics
Material Nickel
Weight 7 g
Diameter 26 mm
Thickness 1.5 mm
Shape round
Alignment Coin
Mint
Paris Mint (A)

Related coins

Nickel Plated Steel, 6.7 g, ⌀ 26 mm