The 500 Francs CFA banknote issued in 2020 by the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) is part of the new generation of polymer banknotes introduced across the West African Economic and Monetary Union. Featuring vibrant colors and modern security features, this uncirculated note reflects regional unity and economic progress while honoring cultural heritage. A great collectible for those interested in African currency.
Obverse
Banque des États de l’Afrique Centrale building (Yaoundé, Cameroun)
CEMAC (Communeauté économique et monétaire d’Afrique Centrale) logo
stylized map of Africa
Scripts: Arabic, Latin
Lettering:
BANQUE
DES ÉTATS DE
L’AFRIQUE CENTRALE
بنك دول إفريقيا الوسطى
500
FRANCS
CFA
فرنك سيفا
Translation: Bank of Central African States, Five Hundred Francs CFA
Reverse
Agriculture
Farmer, irrigation system, tractor, cattle
Script: Latin
Lettering:
BANCO DE LOS ESTADOS DE AFRICA CENTRAL
BANK OF CENTRAL AFRICAN STATES
QUINIETOS
FIVE HUNDRED
500
FRANCOS
CFA
FRANCS
Translation: Bank of Central African States, Five Hundred CFA Francs
Watermark
500, with the logo of the Bank of Central African States below
© Brandon Bertolli (CC BY-SA)
Comments
Issued by the Bank of Central African States (Banque des États de l’Afrique Centrale, Banco de los Estados de Africa Central, البنك المركزي لدول وسط أفريقيا) in 2022.
The note has a security strip which can be seen under backlight. On it “CEMAC” is repeated:
The denomination of 500 is partially written on the obverse and reverse. Under backlight these partial numbers combine to form the whole “500”
UV activity (365nm):
© Brandon Bertolli
Features
| Issuer | Central African States |
|---|---|
| Issuing bank | Bank of Central African States (Banque des États de l’Afrique centrale) |
| Type | Standard circulation banknotes |
| Year | 2020 |
| Value | 500 Francs CFA 500 XAF = GBP 0.65 |
| Currency | CFA franc (Bank of Central African States, 1973-date) |
| Composition | Hybrid substrate |
| Size | 125 × 64 mm |
| Shape | Rectangular |
| Number |
N#353034
|
