Senegal 500 Francs (1969) – West African States

This was the currency used in Dahomey — now known as the Republic of Benin — between 1959 and 1965. Interestingly, this same currency was also circulated in Senegal.

Senegal 500 Francs (1969) – West African States

Item Code: SN-702Ki

Front: Traditional agriculture scenes fieldworkers, alongside a prominent image of the bronze head of Queen Idia, the first Iyoba (Queen Mother) of the ancient Benin Kingdom.

Back: A depiction of modern agriculture — a farmer with a caterpillar tractor, a young African woman, palm trees, stylized suns, turtles, and carved African sculptures.
Watermark: African girl in profile.
Main colour: Olive green

Signatures: Jean Collin (President, 1964–1971); Robert Julienne (Director General, 1962–1975)

Issuer: Banque Centrale des États de l’Afrique de l’Ouest (BCEAO)

Printed by: Banque de France
In circulation: 1959–1980 (Withdrawn 1977–1981)

Material: Cotton paper

REPUBLIC OF BENIN FORMERLY DAHOMEY FOUNDED BY AN EDO MAN

During the colonial era and after independence, the nation was called Dahomey. But on November 30, 1975, the people of Dahomey visited their ancestral home Edo State, Nigeria and met with the Great Oba Akenzua II.

They respectfully sought his permission to rename their country “Benin Republic ,” in honor of their ancestral origins in the Ancient Benin Empire. Oba Akenzua II graciously granted this historic request.

Hence, Dahomey officially became the Republic of Benin, to reflect its historical connection to the greatness of pre-19th century Benin Kingdom, long before colonial interventions.

According to deep-rooted oral traditions and historical records, the name “Dahomey” originally belonged to a warrior from the Esan tribe a notable part of the expansive Benin Empire.