Seychellois Rupee - Coins

Coins

Prior to 1939, Mauritius coinage circulated in the Seychelles, even though the islands had been politically autonomous of Mauritius since 1903 as a crown colony of Great Britain.

In 1939, coins in denominations of 10 and 25 cents, ½ and 1 rupee were introduced. The 10 cents was a new denomination minted in cupro-nickel with a scalloped shape, whilst the other three denominations were the same sizes as the Mauritian coins but were minted in a lower fineness of silver (.500). In 1948, bronze 1, 2 and 5 cents coins were introduced. The coins were the same size as the Mauritian coins and nearly identical in design.

In 1951, cupro-nickel replaced silver in the 25 cents. Further changes were made in 1953 and 1954, when a twelve-sided, nickel-brass 10 cents was introduced, replacing the scalloped cupro-nickel pieces. This was followed by cupro-nickel ½ and 1 rupee pieces. These were also the first Seychelles issues to begin depicting Queen Elizabeth II.

In 1972, round aluminium 1 cents and scalloped 5 cents were introduced (following the last issue of 2 cents in 1968) along with a seven sided cupro-nickel 5 rupees of identical size and weight to the British 50 Pence, and a large, round 10 rupees coin of the same composition. These also became the first coins in the country to depict flora and fauna rather than simple, classic designs. These coins continued to be in use in varying degrees until 1982.

In 1976, a short lived coin series was introduced celebrating the nation's newly independent status and featuring the first president of Seychelles, James Mancham. This series was discontinued just after the first year when James Mancham was deposed in a coup d'état by France Albert René. However, these coins continued to be circulated along with both earlier and later issues until 1982.

In 1977, the obverse on all coins was redesigned to feature the Coat of arms of Seychelles and the date was moved to the obverse from the reverse. Although well designed, this coin series was also relatively short lived.

In 1982 a new, downsized coinage was introduced, consisting of a redesigned brass 1, 5 and 10 cents that were all rounded rather than scalloped. The cupro-nickel 25 cents and, 1 and 5 rupees also saw changes, with a redesign of the 25 cents and a downsizing for the 1 and 5 rupees, the latter being changed from seven equilaterally curved sides to round. The 10 rupee piece was discontinued and withdrawn from circulation due to lack of demand in competing with the more popular notes.