Maldives Coins
The official currency of the Maldives is the Maldivian rufiyaa, which is divided into 100 laari. This monetary system has a rich history that reflects the economic and cultural evolution of the Indian Ocean archipelago.
Current currency in circulation
The modern Maldivian rufiyaa was introduced in 1947, replacing the Ceylon rupee. Currently, coins circulate in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 10, 25 and 50 laari, as well as 1 and 2 rufiyaa. Banknotes are issued in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 rufiyaa. The Maldives Monetary Authority is responsible for issuing and regulating the national currency.
Monetary history and relevant facts
Prior to the rufiyaa, the Maldives used various monetary systems, including cowrie shells as a medium of exchange until the 19th century. An important milestone in Maldivian numismatics was the minting of the first local coins in 1913 during the reign of Sultan Muhammad Shamsuddeen III. In 2015, the Maldives issued a commemorative series of coins and banknotes to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its independence, highlighting the importance of numismatics in preserving the country's history and culture.
| Country | Maldives |
| Flag | |
| Coin | Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR) |
| 1€ | 16,29.ރ |
| Continent | Asia |
| Capital city | Malé |
| ISO2 | MV |
| ISO3 | MDV |
| Catalogued coins | 56 |
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Ancient coins of Maldives
To facilitate their classification, we have decided to organise the coins according to their historical period, you can consult the coins by historical numismatic categories of Maldives.
Larin 1660-1947 Rufiyaa 1947-?The most valuable coins
The most valuable Maldives coins and sought after by collectors according to Foronum statistics are the following:
The valuation of these coins has been achieved through a meticulous algorithm that considers the current market, taking into account aspects such as material, weight, diameter, edge, year of mintage, mint of manufacture and the number of coins produced. Coins with limited mintages and in good condition are usually among the most valuable.
Coin Catalog
10 rufiyaa (Cutty Sark)
1 larin
1/2 larin
1 larin
2 laari
10 laari
1 laari
2 laari
1 laari (FAO)
5 laari
10 laari
25 laari
25 laari
50 laari
50 laari
1 rufiyaa
1 rufiyaa
1 rufiyaa
5 laari (United Nations-Decade for Women)
100 rufiyaa (Inauguration of the Great Mosque)
Other resources to find coins and banknotes of Maldives
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