500 Francs

The BCEAO 500 Francs series running from 1981 to 1990 is catalogued under a single Pick number despite accumulating at least twelve distinct signature combinations across the decade — an unusually high count that reflects the rotating ministerial appointments from eight member states, each contributing a Finance Minister signatory alongside the BCEAO Governor. Abdoulaye Fadiga held the Governorship continuously from the early 1960s until 1990, making his signature the constant across nearly the entire run.

The 1990 pairing with Alassane Ouattara as Governor is the final and most historically notable combination. Ouattara left the position that same year to serve as Prime Minister of Côte d'Ivoire, a career turn that would eventually lead to the presidency — his single year on this note marks an unusually brief tenure at the BCEAO.