Coins

Depending on the economic relations established with the successive ruling powers and trade relations with neighbouring countries, Mauritius was able to opt for different currencies, which reflected the historical orientation of the country and the political choices made.

Old coins such as deniers or sols used in Ancien Régime France, Spanish piastres and escudos, which were in use worldwide at the time, then French francs, Pounds sterling, Australian sovereigns or dollars, any money came in handy to fuel the local economy, which was short of cash, and increase trade volumes.

The MCB itself partook of the same effervescence given that it was entrusted with the responsibility of issuing local bank notes until the colonial authorities managed to issue a Mauritian currency of a public nature.

The most significant change was probably the replacement of the Indian rupee by the local rupee. Under a Government Order issued in 1934, the new Mauritian rupee linked to the Pound sterling was created.

Although Mauritius is an independent state since 1968, the Queen continued to feature on new bank notes issued in the country until 1985-1986. On the other hand, the effigy of Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam appears on all new coins put into circulation since November 1987.