Obverse. Photo © Heritage Auctions
  • 5 Cents 1998, Mauritius
  • 5 Cents 1998, Mauritius
Obverse

Bust of Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam 3/4 right.

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam (1900–1985) was a Mauritian politician, statesman and philanthropist. He was a leader in the Mauritian independence movement, and served as the first Chief Minister and Prime Minister of Mauritius, as well as its sixth Governor-General. He was the Chairperson of the Organisation of African Unity from 1976 to 1977. As the leader of the Labour Party, Ramgoolam fought for the rights of labourers and led Mauritius to independence in 1968.

As Mauritius' first Prime Minister, he played a crucial role in shaping modern Mauritius' government, political culture and foreign policy. He worked for the emancipation of the Mauritian population, established free universal education and free health care services, and introduced old age pensions. He is known as the "Father of the Nation". His son, Navin Ramgoolam, has had three terms as Prime Minister of Mauritius.

DR THE RIGHT HONOURABLE SIR SEEWOOSAGUR RAMGOOLAM KT

Reverse

Large value in the middle within beaded circle, country name above and value in letters with date below.

* MAURITIUS *
5
FIVE·CENTS·1998

Edge

5 Cents

Aluminium Off-Metal
KM#
Characteristics
Type Trial strike
Material Aluminium
Weight -
Diameter -
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal

Related coins

2nd portrait, British colony

Bronze, 9.5 g, ⌀ 28.35 mm
British colony

Bronze, 9.7 g, ⌀ 28.4 mm
British colony

Bronze, 9.7 g, ⌀ 28.4 mm