CFP franc — currency of the French Pacific collectivities

Denominations and design

Physical currency comprises both coins and banknotes. Coins are struck in several small denominations and generally share a common side while bearing territory-specific marks on the other side. Banknotes are printed in higher values for everyday commerce and savings.

• Common coin denominations: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 CFP franc coins.
• Common banknote denominations: 500, 1 000, 5 000 and 10 000 CFP franc notes.

Coin designs typically include a shared reverse motif across the territories and an obverse that names the issuing territory or shows a local emblem. Examples of circulating pieces include the 20 franc and 50 franc coins, which can be seen in local collections and reference images; for a representative illustration see the 20 franc piece shown here: 20 franc coin image.

History and governance

The CFP franc was introduced in December 1945 as part of post‑war monetary reorganizations that separated colonial and metropolitan currencies. Its creation provided the Pacific territories with a stable regional medium of exchange distinct from the metropolitan French franc of that era. Over time the administrative meaning of the acronym CFP changed, reflecting political and legal shifts in how the Pacific territories were governed.

Issuance and monetary administration are handled through institutions and legal frameworks set up to serve overseas collectivities. The currency’s external value is maintained through a fixed exchange arrangement with metropolitan monetary authorities, and special arrangements allow for convertibility and banking services between the territories and France.

Uses and economic role

The CFP franc is used for everyday transactions, wages, savings and public finances in the three territories. Because the three collectivities form a small, open economic area, the CFP franc facilitates trade, tourism and public budgeting within the Pacific region. Its existence reflects a balance between local monetary needs and integration with the broader French and international financial systems.

Notable distinctions and facts

Several points distinguish the CFP franc from metropolitan currencies: it is valid only within the named Pacific territories; coinage often carries motifs linking to local culture or geography; and the acronym’s meaning evolved from a colonial designation to a neutral fiscal label. Collectors and economists find the CFP franc notable for its regional specificity and for how it demonstrates the variety of monetary arrangements used by overseas territories. For general information about the franc and its context, see resources on French overseas currencies and monetary policy in the Pacific region: French overseas territories.

Further reading and resources

Basic references and images of coins and banknotes are available from public collections and central issuing authorities. For images, historical notes and technical descriptions consult local finance agencies and museum collections that document circulating money in the French Pacific. Additional background and comparison with other overseas monetary zones can be found through institutional guides and numismatic references.