Central Bank of West African States (Guinea-Bissau – Letter S)
The Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) serves as the issuing authority for Guinea-Bissau within a shared currency system identified by the country prefix “S”.
Quick Facts
Country: Guinea-Bissau
Currency: West African CFA Franc
Local name: Banque Centrale des États de l'Afrique de l'Ouest
Institutional Identity
Guinea-Bissau joined the BCEAO system in 1997, replacing its national currency, the peso, with the CFA franc.
Historical Evolution
This transition represents one of the clearest monetary shifts in West Africa, linking independent currency history with regional integration.
Design Philosophy
BCEAO banknotes used in Guinea-Bissau incorporate the sawfish emblem and are printed in Chamalières, maintaining consistency with the broader regional system.
For collectors
For collectors, Guinea-Bissau offers a dual narrative: earlier peso banknotes and modern “S” prefix CFA issues, making it a key transitional case in African numismatics.