VISIT | CITY OF PORT-LOUIS
Money makes the world go round
Called “the Hobby of Kings” during the Renaissance period, numismatics is the study and collection of coins, paper money and tokens of payment. It is derived from the Greek term ‘nomisma’, meaning “current coin”. The Bank of Mauritius’s museum dedicated to the use of currencies is a real treasure trove in terms of History, Anthropology and Archaeology.
Opened in March 2018 to celebrate the Bank of Mauritius’ 50th anniversary, as well as the country’s independence, the Bank of Mauritius Museum is situated in the original premises of the country’s central bank on Sir William Newton Street in Port Louis. The museum houses a magnificent collection of 500 artefacts.
The museum tour begins in the Arab period (12th century) and progresses through the centuries to present-day Mauritius. Displayed is a vast array of coins minted abroad for use in Mauritius by the then-colonial governments. The collection includes some incredibly refined rare gold and silver coins, like Arab dinars and British Indian Mohur. These coins were not in use in Mauritius, yet they made their way to our shores as a result of the thriving trade that existed in the region.
Moreover, the museum boasts of the Tael, a very rare coin that dates from the 17th century and originates from Dutch Batavia (now known as Jakarta in Indonesia). Another impressive coin found at the Bank of Mauritius museum is the Piastre Decaen. One-of-a-kind, this one was the only coin ever minted in Mauritius, as well as the only coin minted outside of France and used in one of its colonies. The Schoenfed coin attests of the domain currency system in Mauritius. Labourers were paid in this currency which could only be used within the sugar estate’s perimeter.
The Bank of Mauritius museum provides an interactive user experience. And guided tours of 20 minutes are available for groups and schools.
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