Ceylon Coin

Ceylon
Originally uploaded by ambrett

The Stiver was the currency used in Sri Lanka during the early period of British rule (between 1801 and 1821). The currency is derived from the Dutch who previously occupied the coastal regions of the country. The British seem to have used this Dutch denomination during the early years of their rule of Sri Lanka. The name "stuiver" is still used in Holland to refer to the 5 euro cent coin.

The obverse shows a standard profile image of George III. A good example of early coinage made with a steam press. Note the date of the coin 1815, the year of the fall of the Kandyan Kingdom in Sri Lanka to the British - and the Battle of Waterloo and Congress of Vienna.