Reverse In the central part of the reverse is a relief design of a chimpanzee infant facing right; to the right, a two-line inscription '10 FRANCS'. A relief circle runs along the edge of the coin. Between the rim and the circle, on the left and right, are nine horizontal lines each.
Obverse In the central part is the state coat of arms of the Republic of Djibouti (a laurel wreath, inside which are a shield and a spear topped with a five-pointed star; on either side, two hands, each holding a traditional dagger). To the left, top, and right along the rim is the country name in French - 'REPUBLIQUE DE DJIBOUTI'; at the bottom is the year of issue - '2003'. A decorative circle of raised dots runs along the rim.