Brief Maldives History
The Maldives was long a sultanate, first under Dutch and then under British protection. It became a republic in 1968, three years after independence. Since 1978, President Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM - currently in his sixth term in office - has dominated the islands' political scene. Following riots in the capital Male in August 2004, the president and his government pledged to embark upon democratic reforms, including a more representative political system and expanded political freedoms. Progress has been slow, however, and many promised reforms have been delayed indefinitely. Tourism and fishing are being developed on the archipelago.

Maldives Gold Coins
Although gold Mohur denominations were issued under the Sultans, the first recent modern issue of Maldives gold coins was in 1978. These are all commemoratives.

1995 50 Rufiyaa
Our photographs show a 50 rufiyaa (rupees) dated 1995.
It was issued and marketed as "One of the World's Smallest Gold Coins", or similar!

Descriptions

• Obverse
  The coat of arms of the Maldives.
  1995
  MALDIVES
• Reverse
  Skylab in space, with the legend (inscription):
  SKYLAB
  1000 RUFIYAA
• Edge
  The edge is milled (grained):-
  

Technical Specifications

Denomination	Diameter	Weight	Fineness	Gold Content
50 Rufiyaa	13.83	1.2442	.9999	.04

Prices & Availability
Please telephone for current prices and availability.

Date	Denomination	Grade	Mintage	Availability	Price £	Price $
1995	50 Rufiyaa	Proof, FDC	25,000	Ask	£Ask	$Ask

Postage & Packing
UK Registered Post (Special Delivery) £9 per order
EU Insured Post £10 per order
USA Airmail $10 per order
USA Insured Shipping by Fedex $40 per order

Maldives Silver and Base Metal Coins
For silver and base metal coins of Maldives, please look at our original Chard Coins website.

Coins Wanted
We make an active market in almost all world coins, gold or otherwise, including Maldives gold coins. If you have any of these coins to sell, please contact us, or post them to us for appraisal and offer.