Cameroon Coin List

Cameroon's official currency is the Central African CFA franc, shared with five other countries in the region. This monetary system has a rich history and unique characteristics that reflect the country's colonial past and economic evolution.

Current currency and its circulation

The Central African CFA franc, issued by the Bank of Central African States (BEAC), has been the legal tender in Cameroon since 1945. Current denominations include coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 10, 25, 50, 100 and 500 francs, as well as banknotes of 500, 1000, 2000, 5000 and 10000 francs. The currency is pegged to the euro with a fixed exchange rate, which provides monetary stability but also generates debates about economic sovereignty.

Monetary and numismatic history

Prior to the CFA franc, Cameroon used a variety of currencies, reflecting its complex colonial history. During the German period (1884-1916), the East African Deutsche Mark circulated. Later, under the Franco-British mandate, the French franc and the pound sterling were used in different regions. A significant numismatic milestone was the issuance of specific coins for Cameroon in 1924 by the French authorities, which included local designs such as the head of an elephant, symbolizing the country's natural wealth.