This week we are visiting Mauritius. Mauritius is officially known as the Republic of Mauritius, but commonly referred to as Maurice. This island nation is located off the coast of East Africa in the Indian Ocean. It is known for its beautiful beaches, reefs, and mountainous interior with dense rainforests and several waterfalls.

Our banknote is Mauritius 25 Rupees P49b B420b 2003. This is a paper note with English, Hindi, and Tamil text. On the front is Moilin Jean Ah-Chuen, coat of arms, the bank building, a spider conch, and a standing justice with sword and scales. The back shows a spider conch, building facade, a man with trap, and Rodrigues Island map. The watermark is a Dodo bird head and cornerstones.

Moilin Jean Ah-Chuen was a businessman and politician from Mauritius. In 1948 he became a member of the Legislative Assembly for the British Colonial Government as a representative of the Chinese community. Moilin Jean Ah-Chuen was also the first Chinese Cabinet Minister from 1967-1976. He was later decorated by Pope John Paul II, and knighted by Queen Elizabeth II.

The coat of arms of Mauritius was designed by Lord Mayor of Johannesburg in 1906. The shield is divided into quarters with one of the following: a star, a key, 3 palms trees, and a ship. Around the shield are sugar cane stalks. Supporting the shield on the left is a Dodo, and on the right is a Sambur deer. There is a ribbon at the bottom with the motto: “Stella Clavisque Maris Indici” or “The Star and the Key of the Indian Ocean.”

This 25 Rupees banknote displays coat of arms, Moilin Jean Ah-Chuen, and justice with sword and scales. To see more about this note or other notes like it, head to our website.