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.

Denomination surrounded by the inscription "West African Monetary Union".

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

Engraver general's privy mark:
• dolphin (Emile Rousseau, 1974-1994)
• bee (Pierre Rodier, 1994-2000)
• horseshoe (Gérard Burqoy, 2001-2002)
• pentagon (Yves Sampo, 2011-present)