Here is the comprehensive financial historical report of the Comoros in International English, including all currencies that have circulated since the beginning of its monetary production, clearly highlighting the current official currency:

Comprehensive Financial Historical Report of the Comoros

Basic Data

• Country ISO Code: KM

• Official Languages: French, Comorian (a Swahili dialect with Arabic influence), Arabic

• Language ISO Code: fr (French)

• Current Official Currency: Comorian franc

• Current Currency ISO Code: KMF

• Local Symbol: FC

Currencies That Have Circulated in the Comoros

1. Pre-colonial Currencies and Early Local Issues

• Before colonization, trade was mainly based on barter and the use of goods such as ivory, copper, and cattle.

• In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, under Sultan Said Ali (1890–1912) of Grande Comore, local currency called Bwankanga was issued.

• In 1900, bronze coins (5 and 10 centimes) were minted at the Paris Mint for the protectorate of Grande Comore.

• These coins featured iconography reflecting Comorian identity and the reign of Sultan Said Ali.

• After 1904, the French franc gradually replaced local currency following the Comoros’ integration into the French colonial system.

2. French Franc (Colonial Period)

• The French franc circulated in the archipelago during the colonial period, issued by French institutions such as the Banque de l’Afrique Occidentale.

• This currency remained in use until Comoros gained independence in 1975.

3. Comorian Franc (Since 1979)

• Officially introduced in 1979 after independence.

• On November 23, 1979, a monetary cooperation agreement was signed between France and the Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros, fixing the parity at 1 French franc = 50 Comorian francs.

• In 1994, a devaluation adjusted this rate to 1 French franc = 75 Comorian francs.

• Since the introduction of the euro, the Comorian franc has been pegged to it at a fixed rate of €1 = 491.96775 Comorian francs.

• The Comorian franc is not a subdivision of the euro, but its convertibility is guaranteed by the French Treasury.

• The Central Bank of the Comoros (Banque Centrale des Comores), established in 1999, is the issuing and regulatory authority.

• Coins and banknotes feature cultural, historical, and natural symbols reflecting the national identity of the Comoros.

Historical and Economic Context

• The Comoros have a rich history influenced by African, Arab, and French cultures.

• The local currency reflects the country’s pursuit of economic sovereignty post-independence, with strong monetary cooperation with France to ensure stability.

• The economy is based on agriculture, trade, and remittances, with the Comorian franc essential for local transactions.

• Political and economic instability have posed challenges, but the currency maintains relative stability due to the agreement with France and oversight by the Central Bank.

Coins and Banknotes in Circulation

• Coins: 25, 50, 100, 250 Comorian francs

• Banknotes: 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000 Comorian francs

Additional Information and Curiosities

• During World War I, due to a shortage of small change, postage stamps on cardboard were used as emergency currency.

• The Comorian franc is among the more stable African currencies thanks to its peg to the euro and the cooperation agreement with France.

• The Central Bank of the Comoros maintains a museum showcasing the monetary history of the archipelago.

Banknote Signatories

• Banknotes bear the signatures of the Governor of the Central Bank of the Comoros and the Minister of Finance.

People and Symbols Honored on Coins and Banknotes

• The imagery on coins and banknotes highlights Comorian culture, fauna, flora, and historical aspects, without focusing on specific political figures.

This report provides a comprehensive overview of the monetary evolution of the Comoros, from early local coinage and French colonial currency to the current Comorian franc, a symbol of national identity and economic sovereignty.