How to Identify the 10 CFA Francs
A collector's guide to recognizing the West African 10 franc coin by its denomination, emblem, size, alloy, and inscriptions.
Read the full 10 CFA Francs encyclopedia entry →
Begin with the denomination face. A genuine 10 CFA franc coin shows a large numeral 10 alongside the word FRANCS and legends naming the issuing central bank and the West African union. If the numeral reads 5, 25, 50, 100, or higher, you are holding a different coin from the same family, so confirm the 10 before going further.
Examine the emblem face. Instead of a portrait, this side carries a stylized, geometric decorative emblem rooted in traditional West African symbolism. The device is ornamental and symmetrical rather than a person or building, which is a good quick check against unrelated small foreign coins that may be similar in size.
Check size, weight, and metal. The 10 francs is a small, thin, lightweight coin in a pale silver-colored base-metal alloy, never precious metal. Weigh and measure it and compare against catalog specifications for the series; a coin that is far heavier, thicker, or a different color than expected may be a different denomination or a misidentification.
Read the inscriptions to place the coin. Because the West African (BCEAO) and Central African (BEAC) CFA francs resemble each other, the legends are decisive: a West African piece references the West African states and their central bank. Locate the year near the design to pin down the exact issue, since the series has run over many decades.
Authentication is rarely a concern for such a low-value coin, but stay alert for wear, corrosion, and cleaning that can obscure the date. For grading and any scarcer-date premium, judge luster and detail on the numeral and emblem, and confirm the date against world-coin references before assigning value.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know it is the 10 franc value and not another CFA coin?
Read the numeral. The denomination face shows a large 10 with the word FRANCS. Coins reading 5, 25, 50, or 100 are separate values in the same series, so match the number exactly.
How can I confirm it is West African rather than Central African CFA?
Check the inscriptions. West African coins reference the West African states and their central bank (BCEAO), while Central African coins name the BEAC. The two currencies look alike but are distinct.
Where is the date on the coin?
The year of striking usually appears near the design, often close to the emblem or denomination. It identifies the specific issue within a long-running series and helps assess any scarcity.
Is it worth authenticating a 10 CFA franc coin?
Rarely. Its low value means counterfeiting is not a real concern. Focus instead on reading the date and inscriptions correctly and on judging condition for any small collector premium.