Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 50 Francs 2012-2023, KM# 18, West African States
  • 50 Francs 2012-2023, KM# 18, 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

Agricultural produce: peanuts, rice (paddy), cacao and coffee.

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:
• 2011–2020: Pentagon with letters AG, MP and YS (Yves Sampo)
• 2021–present: Two nested squares superimposed on a rhinoceros head (Joaquin Jimenez)

UNION MONETAIRE OUEST-AFRICAINE
50
FRANCS
2014

Edge

50 Francs

Magnetic
KM# 18
Characteristics
Material Nickel Plated Steel
Weight 4.8 g
Diameter 22 mm
Thickness 1.7 mm
Shape round
Alignment Coin
Mint
Paris Mint (A)

Related coins

Non-magnetic

Cupronickel, 5 g, ⌀ 22 mm