Depicts a stylized sawfish surrounded by 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.

Engraver: Raymond Joly

Denomination 500 FCFA (Franc CFA, where the acronym CFA stands for the Financial Community of Africa) between agricultural products (nuts, plants and beans), surrounded by the inscription West African Monetary Union, date below.

Engraver: Matthew Bonaccorsi