50 Malagasy Ariary Coin (Issued 2003)

The 50 Malagasy Ariary coin issued in 2003 forms part of Madagascar’s modern coinage following the transition from the Malagasy franc to the ariary as the country’s official currency. Although dated 2003, this denomination was introduced as part of a broader monetary reform that reflected Madagascar’s move towards a simplified and nationally distinctive currency system. Today, this coin is no longer commonly used in everyday transactions and is frequently encountered outside Madagascar as leftover or withdrawn currency.

On one side of the coin, the design features a stylised rural landscape scene typical of Malagasy coinage from this period. The imagery shows agricultural land beneath a rising sun, symbolising farming, self-sufficiency, and the importance of rural life to Madagascar’s economy. The scene is enclosed within a bordered field, with small dotted elements around the edge of the coin adding texture and visual balance. Below the image, a banner carries Malagasy wording associated with national development and progress, reinforcing the theme of agriculture and labour.

The opposite side displays the denomination “ariary 50” prominently at the centre, surrounded by a wreath motif. Around the outer edge is the inscription “Repoblika Demokratika Malagasy,” identifying the Democratic Republic of Madagascar. A single star appears above the denomination, a recurring symbol on Malagasy coins that represents national unity. The year appears near the bottom of the design, linking the coin to the post-reform era even though the visual style remains rooted in earlier motifs.

The 50 Ariary coin is struck in a silver-coloured metal alloy and has a distinctive multi-sided (polygonal) shape, making it easy to distinguish from lower denominations by both touch and appearance. Over time, many examples show signs of circulation wear, which is typical for coins of this era and denomination.

Coins such as this are no longer easily exchangeable through high-street banks, particularly outside Madagascar. As a result, they are commonly presented to specialist services that deal with withdrawn and non-circulating world coins. Despite their modest face value, they can still be exchanged as part of mixed coin holdings or larger collections of Malagasy currency.

• Indicate the quantity of 50 Malagasy Ariary coins you want to exchange

• Click the ‘Add to your account’ button

• Your online account now shows the exchange value

We offer a secure UK-based service for exchanging coins from Madagascar, including older and withdrawn ariary denominations. Coins are assessed by type and quantity, and instant online valuations are provided before you send anything in. This makes it straightforward to clear out leftover foreign coins that might otherwise have no easy route back into circulation.