The first coins of French Polynesia were a set of four 1949 coins issued for the area, then known as French Oceania. Since 1965, the now-named French Polynesia has used the unit of currency known as the CFP franc, for which French Polynesia uses its own coins. (“CFP” is the acronym of the French phrase Change Franc Pacifique; the CFP franc is also used by Wallis and Futuna and New Caledonia.)
Both French Polynesia coins and French Oceania coins use a system that divides a franc into 100 centimes.
French Oceania coins
The 1949 coins of French Oceania were made in four denominations: 50 centimes, and 1, 2, and 5 francs. These coins were inscribed “ETABLISSEMENTS FRANÇAIS DE L’OCEANIE”.
French Polynesia coins
To collect one of each denomination of French Polynesia coins proper, here is the list of face values that have been used:
Centime coin: 50
Franc coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100
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French Polynesia coins are inscribed “POLYNESIE FRANÇAISE”.
Unlike other Polynesian countries and territories, French Polynesia does not have an extensive campaign of issuing commemorative silver or gold proofs for international collectors.
