Italian Somaliland rupia
Encyclopedia
The rupia was the currency in Italian Somaliland
from 1909 to 1925. It was subdivided into 64 bese (singular: besa, Somali: بيزا), mirroring the Indian rupee whish was divided into 64 paisa
(before decimalisation
).
and the Indian rupee
, to which it was equal. The rupia was replaced by the Italian Somaliland lira
during a transition period between July 1, 1925, and June 30, 1926 , at a rate of 8 lire = 1 rupia.
Since the rupia's replacement, several currencies have circulated in what was Italian Somaliland, including the Italian East African lira
, the East African shilling
, the Italian Somaliland somalo
and the Somali shilling
.
. These were cash certificates (buoni di cassa) in denominations of 1, 5 and 10 rupie. 10 and 20 rupie were printed but not issued.
Italian Somaliland
Italian Somaliland , also known as Italian Somalia, was a colony of the Kingdom of Italy from the 1880s until 1936 in the region of modern-day Somalia. Ruled in the 19th century by the Somali Sultanate of Hobyo and the Majeerteen Sultanate, the territory was later acquired by Italy through various...
from 1909 to 1925. It was subdivided into 64 bese (singular: besa, Somali: بيزا), mirroring the Indian rupee whish was divided into 64 paisa
Paisa
The paisa is a monetary unit in several countries. Linguistic variants of paisa include poisha and baisa . In India, Nepal and Pakistan, the paisa currently equals of a rupee. In Bangladesh, the poisha equals of a Bangladeshi taka...
(before decimalisation
Decimalisation
Decimal currency is the term used to describe any currency that is based on one basic unit of currency and a sub-unit which is a power of 10, most commonly 100....
).
History
The rupia was introduced between 1909 and 1910. First, bronze coins denominated in besa were introduced, followed by silver coins denominated in rupia in 1910. The rupia replaced several currencies, including the Maria Theresa thalerMaria Theresa thaler
The Maria Theresa thaler is a silver bullion-coin that has been used in world trade continuously. Maria Theresa Thalers were first minted in 1741, using the then Reichsthaler standard of 9 thalers to the Vienna mark. In 1750 the thaler was debased to 10 thalers to the Vienna Mark...
and the Indian rupee
Indian rupee
The Indian rupee is the official currency of the Republic of India. The issuance of the currency is controlled by the Reserve Bank of India....
, to which it was equal. The rupia was replaced by the Italian Somaliland lira
Italian Somaliland lira
The lira was the currency of Italian Somaliland between 1925 and ca. 1938. It replaced the Italian Somaliland rupia at a rate of 8 lire = 1 rupia. Only coins were issued which circulated alongside Italian coins and banknotes. From 1938, banknotes of the Italian East African lira also...
during a transition period between July 1, 1925, and June 30, 1926 , at a rate of 8 lire = 1 rupia.
Since the rupia's replacement, several currencies have circulated in what was Italian Somaliland, including the Italian East African lira
Italian East African lira
The lira was the currency of Italian East Africa between 1938 and 1941. It was equivalent to the Italian lira and Italian currency circulated, together with banknotes first issued in 1938. In Italian Somaliland, the lira was already circulating...
, the East African shilling
East African shilling
The shilling was the currency issued for use in British controlled areas in East Africa from 1921 until 1969. It was produced by the East African Currency Board...
, the Italian Somaliland somalo
Italian Somaliland somalo
The somalo was the currency of the Trust Territory of Somalia between 1950 and 1962. It was subdivided into 100 centesimi .-History:...
and the Somali shilling
Somali shilling
The Somali shilling is the official currency of Somalia...
.
Coins
In 1909, bronze coins were introduced in denominations of 1, 2 and 4 bese. These were followed, in 1910, by silver ¼, ½ and 1 rupia. The silver coins were struck to the same specifications as those of the Indian rupee. Silver coins were struck until 1921, with bronze continuing until 1924.Banknotes
The first banknotes were produced by an Italian trading company, V. Filonadi & C., in 1893. They were for 5 rupie. Official banknotes were introduced in 1920 by the Banca d'ItaliaBanca d'Italia
Banca d'Italia is the central bank of Italy and part of the European System of Central Banks. It is located in Palazzo Koch, Roma, via Nazionale...
. These were cash certificates (buoni di cassa) in denominations of 1, 5 and 10 rupie. 10 and 20 rupie were printed but not issued.