French Polynesia Coin List

The numismatics of French Polynesia is a fascinating field of study that reflects the rich history and culture of this South Pacific region. Over the years, the currency of this French overseas territory has undergone various changes, from traditional barter systems to the adoption of modern coins.

Current currency in circulation

Currently, the official currency of French Polynesia is the CFP Franc (Pacific Franc), which was introduced in 1945. This currency is pegged to the Euro at a fixed exchange rate of 1 Euro = 119.33 CFP Francs. Coins in circulation include denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 10, 20, 50 and 100 CFP francs, each with designs depicting Polynesian culture and nature, such as tiare flowers, traditional canoes and scenes of island life.

Monetary history and highlights

Prior to the introduction of the CFP Franc, French Polynesia used a variety of currencies, including the French franc and local currencies such as mother-of-pearl tokens. An important milestone in the region's numismatics was the issuance of commemorative coins in 1952, celebrating the 150th anniversary of the discovery of Bora Bora. In addition, in 2021, a special series of coins was launched to commemorate the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, highlighting the continuing connection between French Polynesia and metropolitan France in monetary and cultural terms.