This reprint represents not only a practical response to the need for replenished stock but also a historic advancement in the identity of the Maldivian currency.
Roberts World Money
On January 13, 2025, Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA), the central bank of the Maldives, announced its decision to reprint the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) 100 note. In an official press release, MMA cited limited stock of the MVR 100 note as the primary reason for the reprint. However, this reprinting marks a significant milestone for the Maldivian currency, as the updated banknotes will include the newly introduced Rufiyaa currency symbol, featured prominently on both sides.
The Rufiyaa currency symbol, introduced on July 3, 2022, added the Maldivian currency to the global list of currencies with distinctive symbols. The symbol was the result of a nationwide public competition and was designed by Hassan Shujau, whose winning submission incorporates the Dhivehi Thaana letter "ރ" (raa). This unique design features an additional horizontal stroke across the middle of the letter, distinguishing it from its standard form.
Before the introduction of the official symbol, the Thaana letter "ރ" was commonly used informally to represent amounts in Maldivian Rufiyaa. With the creation of this symbol in 2022, MMA committed to incorporating it into future currency reprints. The reprinting of the MVR 100 note now fulfils that commitment, allowing the Rufiyaa symbol to appear on Maldivian banknotes for the first time in the nation’s history.
This reprint represents not only a practical response to the need for replenished stock but also a historic advancement in the identity of the Maldivian currency. By incorporating the new symbol into one of the most widely used denominations, the MVR 100 note becomes a symbol of national pride and progress, showcasing a unique feature that sets the Maldivian Rufiyaa apart on the global stage.
