Maldives 50 Laari 1960

The 50 laari coin was issued in 1960 during the reign of Sultan Muhammad Fareed Didi (1954–1968) as a standard circulation coin. It was struck at the Royal Mint in London (Tower Hill) and represents the highest denomination of the first series of Maldivian coins, which ranged from 1 to 50 laari. The 1960 issue exists in two edge variants: reeded with a security groove, and plain reeded.

The obverse features the state coat of arms of the Maldives: a coconut palm, a crescent and star, and two crossed national flags on staffs, above a scroll bearing the Arabic inscription «الدولة المحلديبية» (Ad-Dawlat Al-Mahaldibiyya — «State of Mahal Dibiyat»). The Gregorian date «1960» and the Hijri date «١٣٧٩» (1379) are placed on either side of the arms.

The reverse shows the denomination. The inscription in Arabic and Dhivehi reads: «ملك محلديب» / «50 ލާރި» — «King of the Maldives, 50 laari».

The coin reflects a transitional period in Maldivian history: in 1960 the archipelago was still a sultanate under British protectorate. The coconut palm in the coat of arms symbolises the country’s means of subsistence, the crescent and star represent Islam as the state religion, and the scroll inscription traces back to the era of national hero Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu.

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