Coins from five series will lose legal tender in Cameroon on 1 November 2026, the Bank of Central African States (BEAC) said in a note from its governor, Yvon Sana Bangui. The series affected are those of 1958, 1959, 1971, 1976 and 1985. From that date, traders may refuse them and they cannot be forced on a seller.
Coins from the 2006 series and the new 2024 series, issued in 2025, remain valid, BEAC said. The bank said it had taken no decision to withdraw them.
Holders of the withdrawn coins have until 31 July 2027 to exchange them at bank counters, microfinance institutions and BEAC offices. From 1 August 2027 to 31 October 2027, only BEAC will accept them. After 31 October 2027, the exchange period ends.
Traders, motorcycle taxi drivers and supermarket managers in Yaounde and Douala have refused coins that remain valid, including some 500 FCFA pieces, since the announcement. The confusion follows the governor's note, which set out the withdrawal of the five old series.
The exchange window gives holders of the old coins until 31 October 2027 to recover their value.