CEMAC to Withdraw Older Coin Series in November
Residents have until October 2027 to exchange specific older coins for newer series at banks and local institutions.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Budgeting
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Beginning November 1, 2026, five older coin series will lose their status as legal tender across the Central African Economic and Monetary Community. Residents in Cameroon, Chad, Gabon, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and the Central African Republic must exchange these coins before the final October 31, 2027 deadline.
Why it matters
The central bank is phasing out older currency to resolve persistent regional shortages of small-denomination coins. By standardizing the active coin pool, the bank aims to simplify cash circulation for households and merchants.
Five coin series issued in 1958, 1959, 1971, 1976, and 1985 are being withdrawn from a total regional currency pool that reached CFAF 5,755 billion at the end of 2025. Coins from the 2006 and 2024 series will continue to serve as legal tender for daily transactions.
The players
Central African Economic and Monetary Community
The regional economic bloc that manages currency policy and promotes monetary stability for six member states.
Bank of Central African States
The central bank responsible for issuing currency and overseeing the exchange of decommissioned tender for the region.
The details
To manage the transition, the central bank has established a phased exchange process. Until July 31, 2027, households can swap their older coins at commercial banks and microfinance institutions. After that date, the Bank of Central African States will handle all remaining exchanges exclusively until the October 31, 2027, cutoff.
Timeline
November 1, 2026: Affected coins lose legal tender status.
July 31, 2027: Deadline for exchanging coins at commercial banks.
October 31, 2027: Final deadline for all coin exchanges at the central bank.
Money Landscape
This withdrawal follows the Bank of Central African States currency circulation standardization mandate designed to streamline cash usage. It represents a structured effort to align current legal tender with modern currency series, departing from the long-term use of legacy 20th-century coin issues.
Review your savings jars and piggy banks for coins from the 1958, 1959, 1971, 1976, and 1985 series to ensure they are exchanged before the deadlines. Consult with your local bank or a financial professional to verify which newer coins replace these outdated denominations.
The takeaway
The move is designed to simplify daily commerce by reducing the variety of circulating coins in the region. Check your household cash holdings against the 1958, 1959, 1971, 1976, and 1985 series to ensure you utilize the exchange window before the final cutoff date of October 31, 2027.
Further reading
For tips on managing your cash flow during currency transitions, visit our Budgeting section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Business in Cameroon.
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