Mauritius 10 Rupees Banknote – Government House, Bridge & Dodo Heritage (1985 Issue)
Pick# 35a/b | Numista# 206483
Issued by the Bank of Mauritius in 1985, this 10 Rupees note captures the island’s colonial architecture, natural beauty, and unique fauna. It blends state authority with cultural identity, featuring Government House in Port Louis on the obverse and a bridge with waterfall on the reverse. The watermark of the extinct dodo bird adds a distinctly Mauritian touch, making this note a sought-after collectible from the late 20th century.
Design Highlights
Obverse: Printed in green on a multicolored underprint, the front depicts Government House in Port Louis, a symbol of colonial administration and governance. At left, the coat of arms of Mauritius reinforces national identity. Text appears in English, Tamil, and Devanagari scripts, reflecting the island’s diverse heritage.
Reverse: The back showcases a bridge and waterfall, framed by lush tropical scenery, alongside an outline map of Mauritius. This imagery emphasizes the island’s natural beauty and geographic distinctiveness. The layout is balanced and uncluttered, highlighting both landscape and cartographic symbolism.
Color Scheme: Dominated by green tones, the palette conveys freshness and vitality, aligning with the island’s lush environment. The multicolor underprint adds depth and security.
Key Specifications
Feature Description
Country Mauritius
Issuer Bank of Mauritius
Series 1985 Issue
Pick Number P# 35a/b
Denomination 10 Rupees
Size 132 × 64 mm
Material Cotton-based paper
Printer De La Rue (UK)
Year of Issue 1985
Security Features Watermark (Dodo bird), solid security thread, UV activity, serial numbers
Languages English, Tamil, Devanagari
Why Collect this note?
The 1985 Mauritius 10 Rupees note is a transitional design that bridges colonial legacy with national identity. Its combination of Government House, natural landscapes, and the dodo watermark makes it a distinctive piece of Mauritian numismatics.
It appeals to collectors interested in:
Island nation currency with multilingual inscriptions
Colonial architecture and governance in banknote art
Unique fauna symbolism, especially extinct species like the dodo
