Coins of the Maldivian rufiyaa

The coins of the Maldivian rufiyaa are documented since it became a British protectorate in 1304 AH (1887).

The Maldive Islands were granted independence outside the Commonwealth of Nations as an independent monarchy. The 2nd Republic was declared in November 1968. The Maldive Islands returned to the Commonwealth in 1982. The Maldives was again temporarily outside the Commonwealth from October 2016 until 1 February 2020, when they returned to the Commonwealth.

Before coinage, when shells of Cypraea moneta (money cowrie) were used as currency in the Maldives, it was valued as follows: 5 pieces = 1 agi; 25 agi = 1 hiya; 8 hiya = 1 fau; 12 fau = 1 kotté.[1]
Maldivian coins from the 17th and 18th century.

Note about the Islamic calendar: The dates do not always correspond exactly, as the AH year is 11 days shorter than a year on the Gregorian calendar.

  1. ^ Dhivehi Raajjeyge Faisaa Booklet- a publication of the Maldives Monetary Authority, 1991, Male' Maldives