1 Maldivian Rufiyaa #331

Front

Traditional Maldivian fishing scene depicting local fishermen with a dhoni (traditional sailboat) on the beach. The vignette represents daily life in the Maldives, an island nation whose economy and culture have been intrinsically tied to the sea and fishing for centuries. The upper border displays coats of arms representing the atolls of the Maldives, along with Arabic script reading 'Ruffiyaa' at right.

Back

Traditional Maldivian dhoni sailing vessel under full sail, the iconic boat design used throughout Maldivian history for fishing, inter-island transport, and trade across the Indian Ocean. The dhoni's distinctive curved prow and lateen rigging are characteristic of Indian Ocean maritime culture. The date '2011' and Hijri year '1432' appear at center, representing the year 1959 in the Gregorian calendar (the Islamic calendar date 1432 corresponds to 2011 CE, but this is a printing or conversion reference on a historical note design).

History

This is from the first Rufiyaa series introduced in 1947 when the Maldives established its own currency, replacing the Ceylonese (Sri Lankan) Rupee. The Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) was subdivided into 100 laari. These early notes were printed by Waterlow & Sons Limited in London, a renowned British security printer that produced banknotes for many Commonwealth and colonial territories. The series was issued from 1947 through 1960 and remained in circulation until withdrawn in the early 1980s when new security-enhanced series were introduced. Pick catalog references this design as P-2b, with variants distinguished by signature combinations and serial number formats. The serial number K781440 suggests a later printing within the series run. The maritime imagery reflects the central role of fishing and seafaring in Maldivian culture and economy.