Summary

Proof 1 Rupee, Issued by Mauritius, 1950
Minted by Royal Mint, London

Obverse Description

Crowned head of the King facing left; around, KING GEORGE THE SIXTH; the artist's initials, HP, below neck truncation

Reverse Description

The shield of Mauritius quartered with a lymphad (galley), three palm trees, a key and a star from which a light shines (these last two reflect the motto of the island which does not appear on the coin 'the star and key of the Indian Ocean'); the shield divides the date 1950; around above, MAURITIUS; around below, ONE RUPEE

Edge Description

Security edge

Significance

The year 1950 saw Mauritius move away from coinage in silver. Copper-Nickel was introduced for the Rupee, 1/2 Rupee and 1/4 Rupee denominations with large numbers ordered from the Royal Mint, London to allow for the removal of the old silver pieces. This coin is a Proof of Record reference piece supplied by the Royal Mint to the National Gallery of Victoria through the Melbourne Branch of the Royal Mint.

More Information