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1⁄48 Rixdollar
| Issuer | Ceylon (British Colonial Government) |
|---|---|
| Year | 1802-1804 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | 1⁄48 Rixdollar |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | Log in to see details |
| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | The denomination numeral '48' is displayed prominently in large figures at the centre of the coin, set within an inner beaded circle. The circular legend GOVERNMENT * CEYLON runs around the periphery between the inner beaded border and the outer ring of beaded roundels, with a small floral ornament serving as a stop. The entire design is enclosed by an outer border of evenly spaced circular pellets. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Log in to see details |
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | A naturalistically rendered Asian elephant, facing left and standing on a ground line with sparse vegetation indicated beneath its feet, occupies the central field. The figure is boldly modelled with fine surface detail on the hide, trunk, and tusks. A horizontal exergual line separates the main field from the lower segment, within which the date of issue appears in large Latin numerals. The entire design is framed by an outer border of evenly spaced circular pellets, matching the treatment of the obverse. |
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| Additional information |
Ceylon came under British administration via the Treaty of Amiens in 1802, and one of the more pressing practical problems was the chaotic currency situation the Dutch had left behind. The VOC had issued its own local coinage, and British merchants were dealing with a confusing mix of Dutch stuivers, rixdollars, and locally circulating foreign pieces. These copper fractions were among the first coins issued under the new colonial administration specifically to rationalize small-denomination trade on the island.
The rixdollar itself was a carry-over accounting unit from the Dutch colonial period — the British kept the denomination rather than impose sterling, at least temporarily.