Central Bank of West African States (Ivory Coast – Letter A)
The Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) serves as the issuing authority for Ivory Coast within a shared currency system identified by the country prefix “A”.
Quick Facts
Country: Ivory Coast
Currency: West African CFA Franc
Local name: Banque Centrale des États de l'Afrique de l'Ouest
Institutional Identity
Ivory Coast stands as a central economic hub within the BCEAO system, operating under a shared currency structure without an independent national issuing authority.
Historical Evolution
The country’s circulation history reflects the transition through the 1994 devaluation, which reshaped the denomination structure and visual format of CFA banknotes.
Design Philosophy
BCEAO banknotes used in Ivory Coast carry the sawfish (poisson-scie) emblem and are printed in Chamalières, combining symbolic continuity with advanced production standards.
For collectors
For collectors, Ivory Coast notes marked with the “A” prefix are among the most widely encountered, reflecting the country’s economic prominence within the union.