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Since it is utilized for various countries, it can be used for various colorways such as jewelry, watches, bags, and other accessories.
Pre-2011 Franc
The Original Franc de la Communauté Financière Africaine, Franc CFA, served as the currency for the pre-2011 zone. The franc was gradually being replaced by the euro under the terms of the 2007-2008 economic partnership agreements signed between the European Union and the African, Caribbean, and Pacific group of states. The currency that was used in the pre-2011 zone was the second version of the franc and was also known as the Franc de la Communauté. It was the last group of countries that were still using the currency of the old CFA despite the rise of the Euro. A number of countries in West Africa had originally been issued with the CFA Franc, but prior to 2011 currency was later replaced by the eco.
Post-2011 Franc
The stronger version of the CFAFranc is referred to as the CFA Franc BCEAO or Franc de la Communauté Monétaire de l’Afrique de l’Ouest. The BCEAO was charged with the responsibility to issue and manage the new currency. The region that uses the CFA Franc BCEAO employs 8 countries which are Benin, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal, and Togo.
CFA Franc Compositions
CFA franc coins are available in various compositions, sizes, and colors. Some of the coins include coins of 1, 2, and 5 in the version of the old franc and coins in 10, 25, and 50 in the new version. There were later coins of 100 and 500 Francs in the new version.
The romance behind the design of the Franc CFA not only has different denominations but also has different functionalities, different parts, and even more designs, which are security features and help to beautify the flag.
Banknotes
The Franc CFA banknotes come in different denominations that are in different colors and even portraits of different famous people in the different regions that speak of the Franc CFA. It is worth noting that some of the known features of the banknotes are the use of unique rubber bands and watermarks that are used for different denominations.
For instance, the 5000 Franc has the portrait of Amadou Hampâté Bâ, a famous Malian writer, and the 1000 has the famous Malian cow-herding tradition image.
The 2000 note bears the image of the bridge over the river in Nigeria, while the 10,000 note portrays the tragic death of Félix Houphouët-Boigny on his way to achieving independence for Ivory Coast. The 20,000 note has the image of the famous African scholar and university founder Al Quarawiyyin.
Some other designs of notes also include different birds, ideas about education, and the famous Maghreb architecture, to mention a few.
Security Features
In the design of the Franc CFA, there are several security features that are actually embedded in the coins and banknotes. Some of these features include holographic stripes, watermarks, and UV inks.
This not only helps to prevent counterfeiting but also makes the franc aesthetically pleasant.
Coins
CFA Franc coins are available in various sizes that incorporate emblems, animals, and other cultural aspects of the countries that use the currency. These coins are available in 1 franc, 5 franc, 10 franc, 25 franc, 50 franc, 100 franc, and 500 franc compositions.
Since the franc has been used in several countries, it has been adapted to various styles, cultures, and occasions in terms of jewelry designs.
Daily wear
Today, jewelry made with franc CFA is mostly used daily by individuals in those countries that the currency has been used. Most styles of accessories are simple and thus suitable for everyday wear, neckpieces, bracelets, etc., with small coins or parts of the currency attached to them.
Special Occasions
Talking about the special occasions where francois are used, they are usually packets where pieces of jewelry like earrings, pendants, or rings embellished with coins or designed creatively with the CFA franc motifs are utilized. They are a symbol of heritage and are preferred to be used during weddings, festivals, or any cultural celebrations.
Fashion Statements
The Franc CFA jewelry is not only designed to carry historical and cultural importance but also sheer stylishness. Many young people and fashionistas favor pieces that have a modern twist with ancient coins, starring beautiful and unique trendy designs with a historical perspective.
Gifts
Since jewelry represents not only beauty but also a deep meaning and connection with the heritage of Africa, it is used a lot as a gift. Earrings, necklaces, and rings featuring the designs of the precious CFA francs make very thoughtful gifts for friends and family and are especially popular on birthdays or during holidays.
Artistic Installations
In the past, Franc CFA was also used in some places as a part of artistic creations. These may include sculptures, wall art, or other forms of art where the theme of currency or economic history is involved. In some of the performances, CFA Franc jewelry may be worn by performers to reinforce the message or the narrative of the performance.
Design Preference
As far as jewelry is concerned, Franc CFA is also available in a number of designs. From modern to minimalist to vintage based on the aesthetics of the craft, a customer will have to decide based on their preferences and, even more, consider the outfit style to choose a piece that is well suited for different occasions and events.
Material Quality
Since this jewelry is created using different materials such as gold, silver, or sterling, among which are incorporated with the CFA coins, it's very important to check the quality of the metal. Here, precious metal care is used to ensure that the jewelry worn is long-lasting, especially in pieces worn almost daily, like necklaces and bracelets.
Craftsmanship
In terms of purchasing franc CFA, jewelry details refer to the craftsmanship involved in the making of jewelry. Jewelry containing finely detailed and well-crafted elements is actually more valuable and aesthetically more appealing than this jewelry.
Size and Fit
In jewelry, size is very important, especially for rings and bracelets. When buying Franc CFA jewelry, it's important to verify that the piece fits the body well so that it doesn't look awkward or uncomfortable.
Budget
The affordability of franc CFA jewelry is one major factor that needs to be considered. As already mentioned, jewelry made of precious metals that has historical value will definitely be expensive but doesn't mean that there are no cheaper alternatives. There are some pieces created with alloys or silver that may be cheaper but still have the same design and functionality.
A1: The Franc CFA is divided into two different currencies, one used in Western Africa and the other in Central Africa. The term Franc CFA sounds like an African currency common in African countries, but it is a legacy of French colonialism and then a postcolonial financial system.
A2: There are fourteen countries that currently use the CFA franc, each of which belongs to one of the two regional central banks. The BCEAO and BEAC manage the two-thirds and one-third, respectively, of the countries currently using the currency.
A3: The countries that used Le FrancCFA currently include Benin, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal, and Togo, which are under BCEAO and the regional central bank in Central Africa comprised of Chad, Republic of the Congo, Gabon, and Cameroon, and manage by BEAC. The two former colonies of France in Africa share the same currency.
A4: Franc CFA jewelry pieces that are for daily wear or for special occasions include necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings, etc. Jewelry containing small coins or parts of the currency attached to them is suitable for everyday wear, while pieces embellished with coins or designed creatively are used for special occasions.
A5: It is recommended that Franc CFA jewelry be maintained in a dry place where it will not come in contact with chemicals in cosmetics or cleaning products. To avoid tangling or damage, store the jewelry in a separate compartment or a designated box.
