Before gaining independence, Niger was part of French West Africa and used the West African CFA franc. Upon gaining independence in 1960, Niger continued to use the West African CFA franc, now issued by the Central Bank of West African States (Banque Centrale des États de l'Afrique de l'Ouest, BCEAO).
Coins specifically for the West African CFA franc were first introduced in 1948. These coins were initially minted in France and circulated across all member countries of the West African Monetary Union, including Niger. Niger, as part of the West African Economic and Monetary Union, uses the West African CFA franc, abbreviated as XOF. The coins currently in circulation include 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, 250, 500 francs.
The 1 franc coin is made of steel, while the 5, 10, and 25 franc coins are made from aluminum bronze. The 50 franc coin is made from copper-nickel, and the 100 franc coin is made from nickel. The 200 and 250 franc coins are bimetallic, with a brass center plug and a copper-nickel outer ring, while the 500 franc coin is also bimetallic, featuring a copper-nickel center plug and a brass outer ring.
The designs of Niger's coins features themes and symbols that reflect the region's culture, heritage, and economy
