Central African CFA Franc (XAF): Currency of the CEMAC Zone

The Central African CFA franc (ISO code: XAF) is the official currency of six Central African nations united under the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC): Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon. Issued by the Bank of Central African States (BEAC — Banque des États de l'Afrique Centrale), the XAF has been the region's monetary backbone since 1945, when it replaced the French Equatorial African franc in France's colonial territories. Today it circulates among a combined population of over 55 million people across one of Africa's most resource-rich regions.

The Central African CFA franc is pegged to the euro at a fixed rate of 655.957 XAF per euro, providing long-term monetary stability that has made these banknotes a reliable reference point for collectors worldwide. The BEAC took full control of note production in 1972–73, with printing initially handled by the Banque de France and later by F.C. Oberthur of France. Banknotes are issued in denominations of 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, and 10,000 francs, featuring distinctive designs celebrating the natural heritage, agriculture, and culture of Central Africa.

For banknote collectors, the most sought-after pieces are from the 1993 series, when the BEAC introduced a country identification system using printed letter codes visible on the upper right of each note. Each of the six member states was assigned a unique letter: T for the Republic of Congo, U for Cameroon, M for the Central African Republic, A for Gabon, F for Equatorial Guinea, and C for Chad. This coding system makes Central African States banknotes especially appealing to world paper money collectors, as the same denomination exists in six distinct country-coded varieties — ideal for building complete sets by country or series.

Whether you're a seasoned numismatist or a new collector exploring African paper money, Central African CFA franc banknotes offer exceptional variety and historical depth. From pre-1993 issues bearing full country names to the unified BEAC series with country letter codes, these notes document the political and economic evolution of francophone Central Africa. Browse our collection of authentic Central African States banknotes below, spanning multiple series, denominations, and all six CEMAC member countries.