Mauritius 1 Rupee

Description

The Mauritian rupee is the official currency of Mauritius. In 1877, the first coins were introduced in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 cents, followed by the ¼, ½ and 1 rupee in 1934. In 1967, the Royal Mint issued new coins set including the 10, 200 and 250 rupees. In 1987, a new set of coins in denominations 1, 5, and 20 cents and ½, 1, and 5 rupees, followed by 10 rupees in 1997.

The 1 Mauritian rupee coin front design features Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam “Chacha Ramgoolam” (1900 – 1985), was a Mauritian politician, statesman, and philanthropist who served as the island’s first Chief Minister, Prime Minister of Mauritius, and Governor-General. Queen Elizabeth II knighted him in 1965. The reverse coin design illustrates the National Coat of Arms (consist of a shield with; in the first box a lymphad or galley, in the second, palm trees, in the third, an old key and, in the fourth, an argent mullet. The shield is supported by a dodo and a sambur deer, each holding a sugar cane. The motto: “Stella Clavisque Maris Indici” (Star and Key of the Indian Ocean), the denomination, and the issue date. This coin is part of the 1987 – 2010 series, its rim is fluted, and its color is silver.

Text: Dr. The Right Honourable Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Kt, Mauritius, 1, One-Rupee, 2004.