Movements of Silver Coins between France and Senegal 1833-1925: Evidence from French Trade Statistics

Abstract

This discussion paper firstly attempts to show evidence about movements of silver coins between France and Senegal 1833-1925. Secondly, it tries to deprive a France-Senegal monetary relationship from these statistics referring to issues of silver coins which France itself faced in the 19th century. Especially, French five franc silver coins played important role as the means of exchange in Senegal. However, France imported or banned to export silver coins when it was suffering from the scarcity of silvers but increased to export them when it was suffering from superabundant of five franc silver coins. It indicates that the Senegal played literally a role as a regulator adjusting the supply of silver coins for France.

Keywords: silver coin, Senegal, France

JEL Classification: N20, N27