20 Maldivian Rufiyaa Banknote

20 Rufiyaa (Issued 2015)

The traditional Maldivian dhow — the dhoni — occupies the reverse of this polymer note as a defining emblem of the archipelago nation’s maritime heritage, reflecting the central role that sailing and fishing have played in Maldivian life across centuries. Issued by the Maldives Monetary Authority in 2015 as part of the country’s transition to polymer substrate banknotes, the 20 Rufiyaa denomination was designed to celebrate the natural environment and seafaring traditions of the Indian Ocean island chain. The choice of the dhoni for this denomination reflects both national identity and practical historical significance, as these vessels were the primary means of inter-island transport and the fishing industry’s backbone. The note represents a landmark moment in Maldivian currency history, being among the first polymer issues produced by the authority.

On the front, the dominant visual is a richly detailed scene depicting traditional fishing activity, showing freshly caught fish — including what appear to be yellowfin tuna — hanging vertically, rendered in tones of yellow, grey, and blue against a soft lavender and pink polymer background. The engraving style employs fine intaglio-style detailing to give the fish texture and depth, capturing the musculature and sheen of the catch with precision. To the left of centre sits a prominent circular security element — a transparent window integrated into the polymer substrate — bearing an intricate blue spiral and wave motif, characteristic of the Maldives Monetary Authority’s design language. Adjacent to this window is a tactile coral or reef-textured patch rendered in deep blue-grey, functioning as a visual and security anchor for the note. The large numeral “20” appears in bold dark type in the upper left, complemented by the denomination text in Dhivehi script running beneath. A serial number, A324841, is printed in dark ink in the lower centre of the note. Additional Dhivehi script inscriptions appear at multiple points across the front, identifying the issuing authority and denomination. The date inscription along the lower margin reads “22 · 2015” alongside the Hijri year reference “1436,” and further text records the note’s formal issue date of 5% in the lower band. The right-hand edge carries vertical serial numbering printed in dark ink. The overall colour palette of the front is a soft wash of lilac, violet, and pale pink, giving the polymer surface a luminous, translucent quality.

The reverse presents a graceful, full-length depiction of a traditional Maldivian dhoni under sail, its tall triangular sail rendered in pale silver-white with fine linework suggesting the billowing fabric catching an ocean breeze. The vessel’s hull is depicted in warm brown tones with visible rigging detail, conveying the craftsmanship of traditional Maldivian boat-building. The dhoni is positioned centrally against the same soft lavender and rose-pink background that characterises the front, with the polymer’s translucency giving the design an airy, almost watercolour-like quality. In the upper portion of the reverse, a large circular emblem in blue and white — the Maldives Monetary Authority’s logo featuring a spiral wave motif — is printed prominently, with the text “TWENTY RUFIYAA” and “MALDIVES MONETARY AUTHORITY” inscribed in clear, upright serif lettering to its right. The numeral “20” appears in the upper right corner and again in the lower left corner in bold dark type, with “MALDIVES” printed in spaced capital letters along the bottom edge. A vertical date inscription reading “25 OCTOBER 2015” runs along the left margin. To the right of the dhoni, a small decorative fish motif adds a further maritime flourish. The left edge of the note features a vertical yellow security strip embedded within the polymer, visible as a narrow band running the full height of the note.

Looking to exchange leftover currency? Your 20 Rufiyaa banknote can be sold to Webuyallcurrency.com alongside other current Maldivian Rufiyaa banknotes, turning spare money from a trip or collection into cash in one simple transaction.

• Indicate the quantity of 20 Rufiyaa Rufiyaa banknotes you want to exchange
• Click the ‘Add to your account’ button
• Your online account now shows the exchange value

Webuyallcurrency.com brings all your foreign currency together: exchange or sell Maldivian Rufiyaa banknotes and other old, withdrawn or modern coins and notes for cash, with no specialist knowledge needed.

Other Maldivian Rufiyaa you can exchange: 2, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, 1000, 5000.