BEAC Announces Demonetization of Old Coins: What You Need to Know Before November 2026

Residents across the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) are being urged to check their spare change following a major announcement from the Bank of Central African States (BEAC). In an official notice, the central bank has confirmed that several older series of coins will soon be deprived of their legal tender status.

Here is everything you need to know about this significant monetary transition.

🪙 Which Coins Are Affected?

According to the official BEAC notice, the demonetization applies strictly to coins of the old series that were put into circulation in the following years:

· 1958

· 1959

· 1971

· 1976

· 1985

It is crucial to note that this decision affects only these specific old series. Coins from the 2006 and 2024 series remain fully in circulation and will continue to be legal tender for daily transactions.

📅 The Official Calendar of Demonetization

The transition will happen in phases to ensure the public has enough time to exchange their old currency. Here is the official timeline:

· 1st November 2026 — Definitive loss of legal tender.

  From this date, the affected coins can no longer be used for daily transactions or to settle debts.

· From 1st November 2026 to 31st July 2027 — Free Exchange Period.

  For nine months, you can exchange your old coins at commercial banks, microfinance institutions, and BEAC counters.

· From 1st August 2027 to 31st October 2027 — Restricted Exchange.

  During these three months, the demonetized coins can only be exchanged exclusively at BEAC counters.

· From 1st November 2027 — Definitive Closure.

  After October 31, 2027, the exchange windows will be permanently closed, and the old coins will no longer be exchangeable.

🔄 Why Is This Happening?

This demonetization is part of a broader effort by BEAC to modernize the region's currency. The central bank aims to simplify the monetary landscape by removing old, worn-out, and disparate coins from circulation.

The withdrawal coincides with the mass circulation of the new "Type 2024" coin series, which was launched in April 2025. The new series includes nine denominations (1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, and 500 FCFA) and introduces new formats, such as the 200 FCFA coin. This initiative is also designed to address the persistent shortage of small change that has affected traders and retailers across the six CEMAC member states.

💡 What Should You Do Now?

If you are holding these old coins, do not wait until the last minute. Gather any coins from the 1958, 1959, 1971, 1976, and 1985 series and plan to exchange them at your earliest convenience starting November 1, 2026.

For further information, you can contact BEAC or visit the nearest BEAC counter or authorized bank branch.

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