The Maldives are located in the Indian ocean south of India and Sri Lanka. The country is usually talked about because it is an extremely popular luxury travel destination. It’s beautiful beaches and luxurious resorts are really worth checking out if you are ever lucky enough to visit. Their laid back island lifestyle is infused into its currency, especially their latest series of banknotes.

Maldives Resort View
Source: Pixabay

The First Banknotes in Maldives

Maldivian Rufiyaa were first introduced into the country in 1948 after the government initially approved the creation of the Maldives Rufiyaa banknote in 1945. 1/2, 1, 2, 5, 10 Rufiyaa were the first banknote denominations printed. Since their inception they have been very color, tasteful and very eye catching. They feature images such sailing boats, beaches, and palm trees found in. The 1 Rupee, 1947 is a very good example of this design. It’s design is timeless in my opinion.

Maldive Islands 1 Rupee | 1947 | P-2as |
Source: Banknote World Educational

In the 80’s a new redesigned series of Maldives banknotes begin to circulate. They are very artistic overall. They feature sailboats on the front as well as a coconut tree in the center. The aqua green, purple and white colors really bring the design to life and the beautiful and intricate motifs all around the edges really are beautiful. On the reverse side is an image of a group of sailing boats. Sailing boats and fishing are a very important part of life and the economy in Maldives. So one can understand why they are very well represented on their banknotes. This generation of banknotes circulated all the way until 2015. That’s a pretty long time but, the new series was worth the wait.

Maldive Islands 5 Rufiyaa | 1990 | P-16 |
Source: Banknote World Educational

Latest Polymer Generation

In 2015 the Maldives Monetary Authority began to release the new polymer series of Rufiyaa. The denominations range from 5 Rufiyaa all the way to 1,000 Rufiyaa as well as a commemorative 5,000 Rufiyaa released in 2015. Also, the new series is made of modern age polymer and have the most up to date security features. The designs have a watercolor painting feel to them. They feature images of everyday life in Maldives as well as sea life and on the reverse are images of art from the Maldivian national museum. On the 10 Rufiyaa is an image of a man climbing a coconut palm which is the national tree. On the reverse is an image of a traditional boduberu which translates into large drum. What do you think about the evolution of Maldivian banknotes?

Maldives 10 Rufiyaa | 2015 | P-26 |
Source: Banknote World

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