222) Financial Institution for issuing uniform currency/coinage for French Overseas Territories in the Pacific & French Southern Territories of Antarctica: The Institut d’emission d’outre-Mer (IEOM) for French Polynesia (Tahiti), New Caledonia, Wallis-et-Futuna and the erstwhile New Hebrides (present day Vanuatu): The 2014 Emission of Banknotes for French Overseas Territories::

222) Financial Institution for issuing uniform currency/coinage for French Overseas Territories in the Pacific & French Southern Territories of Antarctica: The Institut d’emission d’outre-Mer (IEOM) for French Polynesia (Tahiti), New Caledonia, Wallis-et-Futuna and the erstwhile New Hebrides (present day Vanuatu):

The 2014 Emission of Banknotes for French Overseas Territories:

(For the main post on Currency and Coinage of French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Wallis-et Futuna & Vanuatu, please click here: Financial Institution for issuing uniform currency/coinage for French Overseas territories in the Pacific & French Southern Territories of Antarctica "The Institut d'emission d'Outre-mer" (IEOM) for French Polynesia (Tahiti), New caledonia, Wallis-et-Futuna, and the erstwhile New Hebrides (present day Vanuatu)

The Institute d’emission d’outre-Mer:

The Institute d’emission d’Outre-Mer (IEOM) is a Paris based National Public Institution, founded and chartered by France in December 1966, which is tasked with issuing a uniform currency in the French territories of the Pacific.

French Pacific Territories include New Caledonia, French Polynesia (Tahiti), Wallis-et-Fortuna and the erstwhile New Hebrides (present day Vanuatu).

In addition to its headquarters in mainland France, IEOM’s presence is there in New Caledonia, French Polynesia (Tahiti) and Wallis–et–Futuna. Its mandate also covers French Southern Territories of Antarctica.

 Since 1967, the IEOM has been issuing the CFP Franc currency and FCFP coinage. IEOM issues the Franc CFP which is legal tender in the French Overseas collectivities (or Collectivities d’outre-Mer or COM) of French Polynesia, New Caledonia and Wallis-et-Futuna. The Central Bank controls the volume and quality of Banknotes and coins in circulation in these territories.

The initials CFP originally stood for “Colonies Francaises du Pacifique” (meaning “French Colonies of the Pacific”), but it was later changed to “Communaute Financiere du Pacifique” (or “Pacific Financial Community”).

Since 1967, the IEOM has been issuing the CFP Franc currency and FCFP coinage. IEOM issues the Franc CFP which is legal tender in the French Overseas collectivities (or Collectivities d’outre-Mer or COM) of French Polynesia, New Caledonia and Wallis-et-Futuna. The Central Bank controls the volume and quality of Banknotes and coins in circulation in these territories.

The initials CFP originally stood for “Colonies Francaises du Pacifique” (meaning “French Colonies of the Pacific”), but it was later changed to “Communaute Financiere du Pacifique” (or “Pacific Financial Community”).

The currency was initially used in 3 distinct forms for French Polynesia, New Caledonia and the New Hebrides. The New Caledonia Franc also circulates in Wallis-et-Futuna. The Banknotes of the New Hebrides (present day Vanuatu) bore the name of the territory, but the Banknotes of French Polynesia and New Caledonia are distinguished by the names of the capitals of these colonies – PAPEETE and NOUMEA respectively being overprinted on the Back of the Banknotes in the initial phase. Common design Banknotes designated in Franc CFP are currently in use.

One side of the Banknotes shows landscapes or historical figures of French Polynesia, while the other side shows landscapes or historical figures of New Caledonia.

The Banknotes have a face value of 500, 1000, 5000, and 10000 Franc CFP. The coins have a face value of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 Franc CFP.

The “Franc CFP” or the “CFP Franc” is denoted by the International Code “XFP” and the convertibility of the Franc CFP is guaranteed by the French Republic.  The convertibility of the Franc CFP is based upon a fixed parity with the EURO and is placed at 1000 Franc CFP to 8.38 EUROS or 1 Franc CFP at 0.00838 EURO.

In 1969, the New Hebrides Franc was separated from the CFP Franc and in 1982, it was replaced by the Vanuatu "vatu".

On 01.10.1986, the 10000 CFP Franc was not overprinted with a city name for the first time.

In 1992, the 500 CFP Franc Banknote was printed after omitting the overprinting of the city name.

 The Front of a CFP 500 Franc Banknote. On the top centre is the name of the issuing Bank “Institut d’emission d’Outre-Mer”. The denomination of the Banknote is mentioned in numerals “500” and the denominational value in words “CINQ CENTS FRANCS”. This face shows a Polynesian Fisherman at Marquesas Islands.

The Back of the 500 CFP Franc Banknote. This Face shows Rocks at Hienghene, New Caledonia. On this face of the  Banknote is mentioned “LA CONTREFACON OU LA FALSIFICATION DES BILLETS DE BANQUE ET LA MISE EN CIRCULATION DES BILLETS CONTREFAITS OU FALSIFIES SONT PUNIES PAR LES ARTICLES 442-1 ET 442-2 DU CODE PENAL”, (which specifies the counterfeiting or falsification of  the Banknotes in any way is punishable by Law).

In 1995, the 1000 and 5000 CFP Franc Banknotes were printed without the overprinting of the city name for all French Pacific Territories. Nevertheless, the overall designs of the 500, 1000 and 5000 Franc Banknotes were not changed since 1969. Presently, all CFP Franc Banknotes are identical in every way for every colony from New Caledonia to French Polynesia.

The undernoted current series of Banknotes is in circulation since 2014 (2014 ND Issue):

In January 2014, the IEOM has brought out a new Series of Banknotes replacing the earlier issues which were being demonetized after September 2014, but could be exchanged indefinitely at the Institut d’Emission d’Outre-Mer offices.

                            The Front of a 500 CFP Franc Banknote

On the Front of the 500 CFP Banknote is depicted a Papaya fruit and leaf as a registration device and Tapa Cloth Patterns from Wallis Island, Kava leaves, Bird of Paradise flower (Strelitzia reginare). 

 On the top centre is the name of the issuing Bank “Institut d’emission d’Outre-Mer”. The denomination of the Banknote is mentioned in numerals “500” and the denominational value in words “CINQ CENTS FRANCS CFP” as well as the issuing country name – “REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE”.

 Tapa Cloth Patterns from Wallis Island:

Tapa cloth is a bark-cloth made in the islands of the Pacific Ocean, in Tonga, Samoa, Fiji, Niue, Cook Islands, Futuna, Solomon Islands, Java, New Zealand, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and Hawaii where it is called Kapa. In French Polynesia, it is almost a dying art except for a few villages in the Marquesas.

Tapa can be decorated by rubbing, stamping, stenciling, smoking or dyeing. The patterns usually form a grid of squares, each of which contains geometric patterns with repeated motifs such as, of fish and plants sometimes with four stylized leaves forming a diagonal cross. Traditional dyes used are generally black and rust brown.

Presently, Tapa clothes are worn mostly on formal occasions such as weddings. Sometimes it is used as a blanket or for room bifurcations. It is a highly prized item for its decorative value and is often hung on walls as decorations. 

 Bird of Paradise flower (Strelitzia reginare)

The Bird of Paradise flower or the Crane Flower grows on a monocotyledonous plant. The plant can grow to a height of 2 metres or 6.60 feet. The leaves are evergreen and arranged in two ranks, making a fan-shaped crown. The flowers sit atop the foliage at the tips of long stalks. The hard beak-like sheath from which the flower emerges is called the “Spathe” which is placed perpendicular to the stem, giving it the appearance of a bird’s head and beak. The flowers which emerge one at a time from the spathe consist of three brilliant orange sepals and three purplish-blue petals.

It is in much demand as a popular ornamental plant and is presently the official flower of the city of Los Angeles. Bird of Paradise flowers are associated with liberty, magnificence and good perspective.

       The Back of a 500 CFP Franc Banknote

On the Back of the 500 CFP Banknote are depicted Plumeria (Frangipani) and Tahitian Gardenia (Gardenia taitensis) flowers and Siapo cloth patterns from Futuna Island.

The size of this Banknote is 120 mm x 66 mm and its predominant colour is Olive green.

This Banknote is printed on cotton paper by the Banque de France (BdF). It was first issued on 20.01.2014.

Security features include – Watermark (outrigger canoe), Electrotype “500”.

 Plumeria (Frangipani)

Plumeria is known by its common name “Frangipani” and is a genus of flowering plants in the dogbane family, Apocynaceae.  The genus is named in honour of the 17^th century French botanist Charles Plumier who travelled the World documenting many plant and animal species. Plumeria flowers are most fragrant at night in order to attract moths to pollinate them. The flowers have no nectar, however, they simply fool their pollinators. The moths inadvertently pollinate them by transferring pollen from flower to flower in their fruitless search for nectar. Plumeria species propagate easily from cuttings of leafless stem tips.

In India, the name of the flower is “Champa” or “Chafa”, in Telugu it is “Deva ganneru” (meaning “divine nerium”), in Manipuri it is called “Khagi Leihao”, while in Persia it goes by the name “Yasmin”. In Sri Lanka it is called “Araliya” and in Hawaii it is “Melia”. In Cantonese it is called “gaai daan fa” (meaning “egg yolk flower” tree). In Thailand it is called “Leelawatee” while in Indonesia it is called “Kamboja”.

This flower finds several mentions in symbolism of Aztec and Mayan cultures. It is associated with temples in both Hindu and Buddhist cultures. It is the National flower of Nicaragua (“Sachuanjoche”) and Laos (“Champa”). It has also been written about in English, Hindi and Bengali poetry and literature.

 Tahitian Gardenia (Gardenia taitensis): 

The Gardenia taitensis or “Tiare” Flower is a species of plant in the rubiaceae family.  Despite its name, this plant is neither native to nor naturalized in Tahiti. The plant originates from Melanesia and Western Polynesia.

It is an evergreen tropical shrub that grows to 4 metres tall and has glossy dark leaves which are 5 to 16 centimeters long arranged oppositely along the stem. The flower is creamy white, pinwheel shaped with 5 to 9 lobes and is very fragrant. It is native to the shores of the South Pacific and is one of the few cultivated plants which are native to Polynesia.

The flower is used to make necklaces/garlands, perfumed oils, skin and hair products and has medicinal properties and is used to treat several ailments.

It is the National Flower of French Polynesia and the Cook Islands.

Siapo cloth patterns from Futuna Island

In some islands of the South Pacific including Futuna, the term used for “Tapa” cloth is “Siapo”. Siapo is the term used when large pieces of the cloth are made by groups of women.

The Front of a 1000 CFP Franc Banknote

On the Front of the 1000 CFP Banknote is depicted a Parakeet as a registration device and Tapa Cloth Patterns from Wallis Island, Sting Ray (Manta Ray) and Tortoise.

On the top centre is the name of the issuing Bank “Institut d’emission d’Outre-Mer”. The denomination of the Banknote is mentioned in numerals “1000” and the denominational value in words “MILLE FRANCS CFP” as well as the issuing country name – “REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE”.

                          The Back of a 1000 CFP franc Banknote

On the Back of the 1000 CFP Banknote are depicted a Horned Parakeet (Eunymphicus cornutus), Kagu or Cagou (Rhynochetos jubatus), white Terns and Siapo cloth patterns from Futuna Island.

The size of this Banknote is 126 mm x 66 mm and its predominant colour is Brown and Orange-brown.

This Banknote is printed on cotton paper by the Banque de France (BdF). It was first issued on 20.01.2014.

Security features include – Watermark (outrigger canoe), Electrotype “1000”.

 Horned Parakeet (Eunymphicus cornutus),

The Horned Parakeet (Eunymphicus cornutus) is a species of parrot which is a largely green parakeet endemic to New Caledonia. The Horned Parakeet is so named because it has two elongated black feathers that issue from the centre of the crown on its head which have red tips. In males they measure up to 3 feet and are longer and wider than in females. The Parakeet has a yellowish nape with a black and red face and bluish wings and tail.

The Horned Parakeet lives in the humid pine forests on New Caledonia. It nests both on the ground and in trees.

The bird population has declined much since the 1880s owing to habitat degradation and predation by invasive species, with only about 2500 birds existing. 

 Kagu or Cagou (Rhynochetos jubatus),

The “Kagu” or “Kavu” (in the Kanak languages) or “Cagou” in French (Rhynochetos jubatus) is a crested, long-legged, and bluish grey bird endemic to the dense mountain forests of New Caledonia. Measuring 55 centimeters or 22 inches in length, it has pale gray plumage and bright red legs. Almost flightless, it spends its time on or near the ground, where it hunts its invertebrate prey and builds a nest of sticks on the forest floor. This bird is threatened with extinction due to predation by cats, pigs and dogs and loss of habitat. It is listed as an endangered species.

                 The Front of a 5000 CFP Franc Banknote

On the Front of the 5000 CFP Banknote are depicted Fish hooks as a registration device and Tapa Cloth Patterns from Wallis Island, Bellybutton (Nautilus macromphalus), Pennant coralfish (Heniochus acuminatus) and Coral.

On the top centre is the name of the issuing Bank “Institut d’emission d’Outre-Mer”. The denomination of the Banknote is mentioned in numerals “5000” and the denominational value in words “CINQ MILLE FRANCS CFP” as well as the issuing country name – “REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE”.

 Bellybutton (Nautilus macromphalus),

Bellybutton Nautilus (Nautilus macromphalus) is a species of Nautilus native to the waters of New Caledonia, the Loyalty Islands and Northeastern Australia. The shell of this species lacks a callus, leaving the umbilicus exposed, in which the inner coils of the shell are visible. The opening constitutes about 15% of the shell diameter at its widest point. The shell is usually up to 16 cm in diameter, with the largest recorded specimen measuring about 18 cm.

It lives at a depth of several hundred metres and rises to about 2 to 20 metres to much shallower waters to feed at night. It has long, thin tentacles with raised ridges to help it catch its food. 

 Pennant Coralfish (Heniochus acuminatus)

 The Pennant Coralfish (Heniochus acuminatus) is also known as the “Longfin Bannerfish”, “Reef Bannerfish” or “Coachman” and is a species of fish belonging to the Chaetodontidae family. The Pennant coralfish is widespread throughout the tropical and sub-tropical waters and is native to the Indo-Pacific Ocean, the Eastern coast of Africa, Red Sea, Polynesia and from the south of Japan to the Great Barrier Reef. It is a small-sized fish which can reach a maximum length of 25 centimeters the average size being 15 centimeters.

Its body is compressed laterally, the first rays of its dorsal fin stretch in a long white filament. The background colour of its body is white with two large black diagonal bands. Beyond the second black stripe, the dorsal and caudal fins are yellow, as well as, the pectoral fins. The head is white, eyes black and linked together with a black band. The snout is spotted with black.

                 The Back of a 5000 CFP Franc Banknote
On the Back of the 5000 CFP Banknote are depicted a Coral and open Oyster with pearl, Humphead Wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) and Siapo cloth patterns from Futuna Island.

The size of this Banknote is 132 mm x 73 mm and its predominant colour is Blue.

This Banknote is printed on cotton paper by the Banque de France (BdF). It was first issued on 20.01.2014.

Security features include – Watermark (outrigger canoe), Electrotype “5000”.

 Humphead Wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus):

The “Humphead Wrasse” or “Napoleon Wrasse” or “Napoleon Fish” (Cheilinus undulates) is a species of wrasse found mainly on the Coral reefs in the Indo-Pacific Region. It is also found off the coasts of Africa, South-east Asia and Australia. It is the largest living member of the family Labridae with males reaching up to 6 feet or 2 metres in length, while females are normally upto 3 feet or 1 meter in length. Adults are mostly found on steep coral reef slopes, channel slopes and lagoon reefs in waters from 3 to 330 feet or 1 to 100 metres deep. They prey on crustaceans, mollusks, fish, sea hare, starfish and echinoderms etc.

The Humphead wrasse population has declined due to destructive fishing techniques, habitat loss and degradation, overfishing including harpooning etc. and it is on the Endangered Species list.

             The Front of a 10000 CFP Franc Banknote
On the Front of the 10000 CFP Banknote is depicted a stone pestle as a registration device and Tapa Cloth Patterns from Wallis Island, Oars, Far’e (or thatched hut) and Palm trees.

On the top centre is the name of the issuing Bank “Institut d’emission d’Outre-Mer”. The denomination of the Banknote is mentioned in numerals “10000” and the denominational value in words “DIX MILLE FRANCS CFP” as well as the issuing country name – “REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE”.

            The Back of a 10000 CFP Franc Banknote
On the Back of the 10000 CFP Banknote are depicted Round huts, Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre at Tina Peninsula, New Caledonia, a stone pestle, Kanak huts and Siapo Cloth Patterns from Futuna Island.

The size of this Banknote is 138 mm x 73 mm and its predominant colour is Red.

This Banknote is printed on cotton paper by the Banque de France (BdF). It was first issued on 20.01.2014.

Security features include – Watermark (outrigger canoe), Electrotype “10000.

 Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre at Tinu Peninsula, New Caledonia:

Situated on the narrow Tinu Peninsula northeast of Noumea, the capital of New Caledonia, this Centre celebrates the vernacular Kanak culture of New Caledonia.

It opened in June 1998 and is named after Jean-Marie Tijbaou, the leader of the Independence movement who was assassinated in 1989 and who had a vision of establishing a cultural centre which blended the linguistic and artistic heritage of the Kanak people. The building follows Kanak building traditions and the resources of modern architectural styles and is surrounded by traditional Kanak design elements.

                                        A Kanak house/hut

(The Banknotes shown here are from the collection of Jayant Biswas. Article researched and written and Banknotes scanned for this post by Rajeev Prasad)




Links: 

1) a) Central Bank of West African States issues: the "Franc Financial Cooperation in Central Africa (FCFA) b) Bank of Central African Cooperation in Central Africa (FFCCA)

2) Coinage of the French Polynesian Island of New Caledonia ("Nouvelle Caledonie" in French) - the CFP Franc.

3)  Financial Institution for issuing uniform currency/coinage for French Overseas territories in the Pacific & French Southern Territories of Antarctica "The Institut d'emission d'Outre-mer" (IEOM) for French Polynesia (Tahiti), New caledonia, Wallis-et-Futuna, and the erstwhile New Hebrides (present day Vanuatu) 

4) 2014 Emission of Banknotes for French Polynesia (Tahiti), New valedonia, Wallis-et futuna and the erstwhile New Hebrides (present day Vanuatu) 
 
Links to Posts on Australia, New Zealand and countries and Overseas Territories of the South Pacific on this blog:

1) Bank of Papua New Guinea: 36th Anniversary Celebrations (1973-2008): A Commemorative Uncirulated Coin Set consisting of a 2 Kina Banknote & a 2 Kina Coin

2) Papua New Guinea: An uncirculated coin set brought out in 1995 commemorating the 20th Anniversary of Independence 

 3) Currency & Coinage of the Soloman Islands: Dollars and Cents

4) New Zealand: New Banknote "Seventh Series" issued under Project "Brighter Money" from 2015 onwards

5) Coinage of the French Polynesian Island of Caledonia (or Nouvelle Caledonie) the CFP Franc  

6) French Institution for issuing uniform currency/coinage for French Overseas Territories in the Pacific and the French Southern Territories of Antarctica: The Institut d'emmission d'outre Mer (IEOM)

7) Currency & Coinage of Samoa: Tala and Sene 

8) Currency of the South Pacific Island Country of Fiji 

9) Coinage of New Zealand: A commemorative coin set issued in 1979 

10) Currency and Coinage of Australia: Dollars and Cents 

11) The Australian Emblem or the Coat of Arms 

12) The story of the Australian Penny 

13) The Legend of the Mutiny on the Bounty: A Commemorative Coin Set from the Pitcairn Islands depicting relics from the Bounty issued in 2009 

14) An Australian $5 coin issued in 1996, commemorating Australia's greatest cricketing legend - Sir Donald Bradman 

15) New Series/Generation of Australian Banknotes being introduced from 01.09.2016 onwards starting from $5 issues 


Some other interesting Links:

 1) Honouring Louis Braille on the Bicentenary of his birth in 2009

2) Honouring Charles Eduord Jeanneret popularly known as Le Corbusieur, the French architect who built the modern city of Chandigarh & several other projects: A 10 Franc Banknote issued by the Swiss National Bank 

3) Fort St. George Museum, Chennai (Part iii): i) Indo-Danish coins ii) Indo-Dutch coins iii) Indo-French coins iv) Indo-Portuguese coins 

4) a) Central Bank of West African States issues: the "Franc African Financial Community" (FCFA) b) Bank of Central African States issues : the "Franc Financial Cooperation in Central Africa (FFCCA)

5) French Indo-China issues: A silver one Paistre coin issued in 1895 

6) Financial Institution for issuing uniform currency/coinage for French Overseas Territories in the Pacific & French Southern Territories of Antarctica: The Institut d'emission d'outre-Mer (IEOM) for French Polynesia (Tahiti), New caledonia, Wallis-et-Futuna and the erstwhile New Hebrides (present day Vanuatu)  

 7) Coinage of the French Polynesian Island of New Caledonia (or Nouvelle-Caledonie in French) - the CFP Franc

8) Bicentenary of the Battle of Waterloo and Napoleon's exile to St. Helena (Part I): A one Crown Commemorative Coin issued by the Ascension Island 

9) Bicentenary of the Battle of Waterloo and Napoleon's exile to St. Helena (Part II) : coins commemorating the 200th Anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo: 1) A 5 GBP coin issued by the Royal Mint UK: 2) A "Drie Landen Zilverset" issued by the Royal Dutch Mint - which includes coins of Netherlands, Belgium and UK 

 10) Jeanne d'Arc or Joan of Arc or "The Maid of Orleans" or "La Pucelle": 200 & 50 Euro gold coins and 10 Euro Silver coins issued by Monnaie de Paris in July 2016

11) i)"Europa Coin Programme" or the Eurostar Programme ii) Monnaie de Paris has issued a series of six coins with the theme "The Age of Iron & Glass" in January 2017

12) 100th Anniversary of Auguste Rodin's passing away commemorated with gold and silver Euro coins issued by the Monnaie de Paris under its on-going "The 7 Arts" Coin Series

 13) Statue of Liberty, Paris, France: "Treasures of Paris": Coin series issued by Monnaie de Paris on 20.01.2017

14) Marianne (or Liberty): "The Trilogy": A set of Euro denominated coins in Gold and silver brought out by Monnaie de Paris in January 2017