Sri Lanka, known for its rich cultural heritage, has a remarkable numismatic history. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka has been issuing commemorative coins and notes since 1957 to mark significant events. These coins come in two types: Circulation Standard Commemorative Coins and Un-Circulation Standard Commemorative Coins.
Commemorative Coins Issued by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka
Let’s take a closer look at some of the notable commemorative coins issued by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka throughout history.
2500th Anniversary of the passing away of Buddha
This commemorative coin was issued in 1957 to commemorate the 2500th anniversary of the passing away of Buddha. With a face value of Rs. 5, this silver coin has a diameter of 38.61 mm and weighs 28.28 g. It is a circulation coin with a mintage of 500,000 pieces.
2nd World Food Congress
Another remarkable coin issued in 1957 is the one commemorating the 2nd World Food Congress. This circulation coin, with a face value of Rs. 2, is made of copper/nickel alloy, has a diameter of 31.50 mm, and weighs 12.35 g. The mintage for this coin was 500,000 pieces.
5th Non-Aligned Summit Conference
One of the notable coins issued in 1976 is the one commemorating the 5th Non-Aligned Summit Conference. This circulation coin, with a face value of Rs. 5, is made of nickel, has a diameter of 32.84 mm, and weighs 13.60 g. The mintage for this coin was 1,000,000 pieces.
1st Executive Presidency (J R Jayawardhane)
In 1978, to commemorate the 1st Executive Presidency of J R Jayawardhane, a circulation coin with a face value of Rs. 1 was issued. This copper/nickel coin has a diameter of 25.40 mm and weighs 7.13 g. The mintage for this coin was 2,000,000 pieces.
50 Years of Universal Adult Franchise
To celebrate 50 years of Universal Adult Franchise, a circulation coin with a face value of Rs. 5 was issued in 1981. This copper/nickel coin has a diameter ranging from 29.00 to 30.28 mm and weighs 9.60 g. The mintage for this coin was 2,000,000 pieces.
The Mahaweli Development Scheme
In 1981, a circulation coin with a face value of Rs. 2 was issued to commemorate The Mahaweli Development Scheme. This copper/nickel coin has a diameter of 28.50 mm and weighs 8.25 g. The mintage for this coin was 45,000,000 pieces.
International Year of Shelter for the Homeless
In 1987, a circulation coin with a face value of Rs. 10 was issued to mark the International Year of Shelter for the Homeless. This copper/nickel coin has a unique shape with a diameter ranging from 25.00 to 30.00 mm and weighs 11.70 g. The mintage for this coin was 2,000,000 pieces.
40th Anniversary of Central Bank of Sri Lanka
In 1990, to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, a circulation coin with a face value of Rs. 500 was issued. This silver coin has a diameter of 38.61 mm and weighs 28.28 g. The mintage for this coin was 9,800 pieces.
5th South Asian Federation Games – Colombo
The coin issued in 1991 to commemorate the 5th South Asian Federation Games held in Colombo is another noteworthy addition. This circulation coin, with a face value of Rs. 100, is made of gold. It has a diameter of 14.00 mm and weighs 1.60 g. The mintage for this coin was 8,000 pieces.
3rd Anniversary of Induction of Excective Presidency – R. Premadasa
In 1992, to commemorate the 3rd Anniversary of the Induction of Executive Presidency of R. Premadasa, a circulation coin with a face value of Rs. 1 was issued. This copper/nickel coin has a diameter of 25.40 mm and weighs 7.13 g. The mintage for this coin was 25,000,000 pieces.
2300 Anubudu Mihindu Jayanthi
In 1992, a coin was issued to commemorate the 2300th anniversary of Anubudu Mihindu’s arrival in Sri Lanka. This silver coin has a diameter of 25.40 mm and weighs 7.13 g. The mintage for this coin was 2,500,000 pieces.
50th Anniversary of the Food and Agricultural Organisation
To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Food and Agricultural Organisation, a circulation coin with a face value of Rs. 2 was issued in 1995. This copper/nickel coin has a diameter of 28.50 mm and weighs 8.25 g. The mintage for this coin was 45,000,000 pieces.
International Year of Shelter for the Homeless
Another noteworthy addition to the collection is the coin issued in 1987 to mark the International Year of Shelter for the Homeless. This circulation coin, with a face value of Rs. 10, has a unique shape with a diameter ranging from 25.00 to 30.00 mm and weighs 11.70 g. The mintage for this coin was 2,000,000 pieces.
40th Anniversary of Central Bank of Sri Lanka
In 1990, to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, a circulation coin with a face value of Rs. 500 was issued. This silver coin has a diameter of 38.61 mm and weighs 28.28 g. The mintage for this coin was 9,800 pieces.
5th South Asian Federation Games – Colombo
The coin issued in 1991 to commemorate the 5th South Asian Federation Games held in Colombo is another noteworthy addition. This circulation coin, with a face value of Rs. 100, is made of gold. It has a diameter of 14.00 mm and weighs 1.60 g. The mintage for this coin was 8,000 pieces.
Now, let’s dive into the captivating world of Sri Lankan coins and explore their historical significance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are commemorative coins?
Commemorative coins are special edition coins issued to commemorate significant events, people, or anniversaries.
2. How many types of commemorative coins are there?
Commemorative coins can be categorized into two types: Circulation Standard Commemorative Coins and Un-Circulation Standard Commemorative Coins.
3. What is the difference between Circulation Standard Commemorative Coins and Un-Circulation Standard Commemorative Coins?
Circulation Standard Commemorative Coins are intended for general circulation, while Un-Circulation Standard Commemorative Coins are not meant for circulation and are often made of higher-quality materials.
4. Can you provide an example of a famous commemorative coin?
One example of a famous commemorative coin is the 2500th Anniversary of the passing away of Buddha coin issued by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka in 1957.
5. What are the specifications of the 2500th Anniversary of the passing away of Buddha coin?
The 2500th Anniversary of the passing away of Buddha coin has a face value of Rs. 5, a diameter/size of 38.61 mm, and weighs 28.28 g. It is made of silver and has a circulation mintage of 500,000 pieces.