500 Maldivian Rufiyaa Banknote

500 Rufiyaa (Issued 2015)

Issued in 2015 under the presidency of Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, whose administration oversaw a period of significant infrastructure development and economic expansion in the Maldives, this 500 Rufiyaa polymer banknote represents the Maldives Monetary Authority’s most sophisticated series of banknotes to date. The introduction of polymer substrate technology marked a decisive step forward in the islands’ currency security, reflecting broader ambitions to modernise the nation’s financial systems. Printed to celebrate Maldivian cultural heritage, this high-denomination note circulates as one of the most visually distinctive pieces of currency in the Indian Ocean region.

On the front, the note is rendered in warm amber, peach, and gold tones across its polymer surface, with a lively central illustration depicting traditional Maldivian bodu beru performers — figures shown in dynamic, acrobatic movement, dressed in colourful traditional costume. The scene is rendered in a painterly, illustrative style with broad, confident strokes of colour, conveying the energy and rhythm of this ceremonial drumming and dance tradition. To the left of centre sits a prominent holographic transparent window, which features an intricate blue and white geometric floral motif set within a circular border — a key security element of the polymer substrate. The denomination “500” appears in large orange numerals in the upper left corner and is repeated in red at the lower centre. Thastheeru script — the Maldivian writing system — appears in multiple lines across the left portion of the note, including the name of the issuing authority and accompanying text. The serial number A377903 is printed in red beneath the secondary “500” denomination figure, and the date is recorded as “22 · 2015” alongside the Hijri year 1436, written in Thaana script. A decorative green and dark teal floral rosette with four petals sits within a bordered panel in the lower right, adding a further ornamental element to the design. Fine guilloché patterns and a subtle background of interlaced geometric linework provide additional visual complexity and anti-counterfeiting texture across the note’s surface.

The reverse presents a warm, predominantly terracotta and amber palette dominated by a large, detailed rendering of a traditional Maldivian lacquerwork vase — a liyaa vase — shown in full. The vessel is decorated with multiple horizontal bands of intricate floral and foliate motifs, rendered in deep brown, ochre, and rust tones, faithfully capturing the hand-turned and lacquered craftsmanship for which Maldivian artisans are renowned. The denomination “500” appears in orange in the upper right corner, beneath which the words “FIVE HUNDRED RUFIYAA” are printed in a clean serif typeface. To the right of this, the text “MALDIVES MONETARY AUTHORITY” is printed vertically, identifying the issuing institution. The same circular holographic blue and white geometric motif window seen on the front is visible on the reverse beneath the denomination text, functioning as a through-window security feature of the polymer construction. Along the left edge, a vertical strip bears fine decorative patterning consistent with the note’s guilloché security printing, and the word “MALDIVES” is printed along the lower margin in spaced capital letters. A vertical serial number strip appears on the right side. The date “1 OCTOBER 2015” is printed vertically along the left border, confirming the formal issue date of the note.

Looking to exchange leftover currency? Your 500 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 500 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, 20, 50, 100, 1000, 5000.