Economie

New Coins : Confusion Still Reigns Among Users

Par Monique OMAM
15 Oct 2025 12:24
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The striking resemblance between the new and old coins has led to incorrect financial transactions.

On April 2025, the Bank of Central African States unveiled new coin denominations to be used alongside the previous models until it goes out of circulation. The recently introduced coins include the FCFA 500, 200, 100, 50, and 25, all made of silver metal, with the exception of the FCFA 500 coin. Among these new coins, users report that the similarity in size and design between the new and old FCFA 25, 50, and 100 has made it challenging for them to manage during cash transactions.
Despite the fact that these new coins were introduced several months ago, some vendors and customers still claim to be unfamiliar with the design. This issue has become alarming, as some individuals have exploited this confusion to engage in dishonest practices, taking advantage of the mix-up to receive more money than they should, to the detriment of the other party. Some street vendors in the Mvog-Mbi market have acknowledged the existence of this phenomenon. Michel Engoulou is a case in point. He confessed that, on several occasions, he made incorrect refunds without realizing it. “I sell food, and sometimes I have to serve two to five customers in just a few minutes. Unintentionally, I have given incorrect refunds. This situation frequently occurs with the FCFA 25, 50, and 100 coins since they are so similar.” Another vendor in the same market, Larym Ngoa, admitted to having fallen victim to the confusion surrounding these coins. He explained, “When the customer is observant, he brings my attention to the mistake, and I correct it.”