Maldives 5 Rufiyaa Banknote (Dhow Ship Series)

5 Rufiyaa (Issued 1998-2011)

The 5 Rufiyaa banknote issued by the Maldives Monetary Authority between 1998 and 2011 was withdrawn from circulation as part of the broader replacement of the 1995–2013 Full Printing series, which was gradually retired as updated security standards and new printing specifications were introduced across the Rufiyaa denomination range. As a low-denomination note in everyday Maldivian commerce, it saw extensive use across the island archipelago and was eventually superseded by more modern issues incorporating enhanced anti-counterfeiting features. Though no longer accepted as legal tender, these notes remain exchangeable through specialist currency services operating in the United Kingdom.

On the front, the note presents a predominantly pale blue, lilac, and soft green colour palette across its face, with the entire design framed by an ornate guilloche border incorporating repeating wave-like and scroll motifs in complementary tones. The central vignette features a dramatic composition dominated by a large marlin or swordfish leaping dynamically from stylised ocean waves, rendered in fine intaglio-style engraving that captures the texture of the creature’s body and the movement of water beneath it. To the right of this central scene, a traditional Maldivian dhow — a wooden sailing vessel with full lateen sails — is depicted navigating open waters, engraved with close attention to the rigging and hull structure. The serial number D203463 appears twice: once vertically along the left-hand side in red numerals and once horizontally along the lower right in matching red, a standard security practice for this series. Dhivehi script text appears prominently across the upper portion of the note, identifying the issuing authority and denomination in the national language, whilst a date inscription — rendered in both Gregorian and Hijri calendar formats, reading 1998 — is positioned centrally. A facsimile signature appears below the central vignette. The numeral “5” is printed in the upper left corner in deep blue, and further decorative floral and scroll elements fill the corners and borders in soft purple and green tones, lending the design a layered, intricate quality.

The reverse of the note is dominated by a richly detailed maritime scene rendered in purple, blue, and green tones, depicting two traditional Maldivian sailing vessels — dhows with tall, billowing lateen sails — on open water, with what appears to be a low coastline or island visible in the background. Figures can be seen aboard the vessels and in a smaller rowing boat in the foreground, suggesting active seafaring or fishing activity, and the engraving captures the ripple and swell of the sea with considerable precision. To the left, a bold ornamental numeral “5” is enclosed within an elaborate scroll and filigree cartouche in deep purple, and flowering botanical motifs — including what appear to be stylised tropical blooms — extend from the upper left corner in soft lilac and green. The words “MALDIVES MONETARY AUTHORITY” are printed in bold serif capitals along the lower portion of the note, providing the issuing authority’s name in English. In the upper right, the denomination is stated as “Five Rufiyaa” in clear English text, accompanied by the numeral “5” in a contrasting purple tone. The right margin features a geometric lattice pattern in blue-grey, providing additional texture and a subtle security element across the border zone.

Sell foreign coins and banknotes the simple way: this 5 Rufiyaa banknote can be exchanged through Webuyallcurrency.com together with other old or withdrawn Maldivian Rufiyaa banknotes, all settled in a single transaction.

• Indicate the quantity of 5 Rufiyaa Rufiyaa banknotes you want to exchange
• Click the ‘Add to your account’ button
• Your online account now shows the exchange value

Webuyallcurrency.com is a simple way to exchange or sell foreign coins and banknotes for cash — current or withdrawn — turning your Maldivian Rufiyaa banknotes and any other leftover currency into one straightforward payout.

Other Maldivian Rufiyaa you can exchange: 2, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000, 5000.