The ryal (Arabic: ريال) was the currency of Zanzibar between 1882 and 1908. It was subdivided into 136 pysa and circulated alongside the Indian rupee and Maria Theresa thaler. The ryal was replaced by the rupee at 2⅛ rupees = 1 ryal.
In 1882 (A.H. 1299), coins were introduced in denominations of 1 pysa, ¼, ½, 1, 2½ and 5 ryals. The pysa was struck in copper, with the ¼, ½ and 1 ryal in silver and the 2½ and 5 ryals struck in gold. Further 1 pysa coins were struck in 1887 (A.H. 1304) but no more silver or gold pieces were ever struck.
| Preceded by: No modern predecessor |
Currency of Zanzibar 1882 – 1908 Concurrent with: Indian rupee and Maria Theresa thaler |
Succeeded by: Zanzibari rupee Ratio: 2⅛ rupees = 1 riyal |