However, from 1978, higher value coins were issued denominated only in ariary.

During the Middle Ages the ducat gained much popularity, as it was easy to mint, and packed quite a value in one relatively small coin.

Several countries celebrated this major event with the minting of specially high value commemorative coins.

Initially, higher value coins were made of silver to reflect value and stability.

However as commerce increased, so did the need for higher value coins.

At the time the British Government did not issue low value coins as they had not been required.

However the changes in the way the population worked was changing and there was a large demand throughout the country for low value coins.

It is possible that this reflected a move towards the use of lower value coins for every day transactions.

The largest value coin was 10 fen.

The coin has been used since 2002 and was not redesigned in 2007 as was the case with the higher value coins.