Maldives 5 Rufiyaa 1998 Pick 18a UNC Banknote
The Maldives 5 Rufiyaa 1998 banknote (Pick 18a) was issued by the Maldives Monetary Authority on 27 April 1998 as part of the country’s modern circulation series. Printed by Thomas De La Rue, the note celebrates the Maldives’ maritime heritage through images of traditional sailing vessels and the fishing industry, which has sustained the island nation for centuries.
Presented in UNC (Uncirculated) condition, this colourful banknote is an excellent addition to collections of island nations, Asian currencies and nautical-themed paper money.
Historical Background
The 1998 issue replaced earlier 5 Rufiyaa designs while retaining the country’s strong maritime identity. The note remained in circulation for more than two decades before being officially demonetized on 31 July 2021, when the Maldives completed the transition to a newer banknote series.
Technical Specifications
- Country: Maldives
- Denomination: 5 Rufiyaa
- Year: 1998
- Pick Number: P-18a
- Condition: Uncirculated (UNC)
- Issuer: Maldives Monetary Authority
- Currency: Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR)
- Material: Paper
- Dimensions: 150 × 70 mm
- Printer: Thomas De La Rue & Company Ltd. (United Kingdom)
Obverse
The obverse features:
- Traditional Maldivian dhow
- Coconut branch with fruit
- Maldives Monetary Authority inscriptions
- Denomination numerals
- Serial numbers
The dhow is one of the most iconic symbols of the Maldives, reflecting centuries of navigation, fishing and trade across the Indian Ocean.
Reverse
The reverse depicts:
- Three fishing boats at sea
- Fishermen working with traditional methods
- Ocean landscape
- Large denomination numerals
- Decorative security patterns
Fishing remains one of the Maldives’ most important traditional industries and an essential part of the country’s economy and culture.
Security Features
- Watermark of the Maldives national emblem
- Embedded security thread
- Fine guilloche engraving
- Intaglio printing
- Multicolour underprint
- Serial numbering
Why Add This Banknote to Your Collection?
The Maldives 5 Rufiyaa 1998 Pick 18a UNC banknote is one of the country’s most recognisable modern issues. Its colourful maritime design and long circulation period make it a favourite among collectors of island and nautical-themed currencies.
Perfect for:
- Maldives banknote collections
- Asian currency collections
- Island nation banknotes
- Fishing and maritime-themed collections
- World paper money collections
- UNC banknote collections
Collector’s Note
The Pick 18a is the first issue of the modern 5 Rufiyaa design introduced in 1998. Featuring a traditional dhow and fishing boats, it beautifully reflects the Maldives’ close relationship with the sea and is one of the most iconic banknotes ever issued by the Maldives Monetary Authority.
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Maldives 5 Rufiyaa 1998 Pick 18a banknote in UNC condition. Authentic Maldives Monetary Authority issue featuring a traditional dhow and fishermen at sea.
