The rixdollar was the currency of British Ceylon until 1828. It was subdivided into 48 stivers, each of 4 duit. Units called the fanam and larin were also used, worth 4 and 9½ stiver, respectively. The currency derived from the Dutch rijksdaalder and stuiver, although the rijksdaalder was worth 50 stuiver. Initially containing over 25 grams fine silver worth 4 shillings and sixpence in the 17th century, the Ceylonese rixdollar was worth just one-third this amount by the 19th century. In 1825 it was replaced by sterling coin at a rate of 1 rixdollar = 11/undefined shillings, less than the Indian rupee which was worth about 111/12 shillings.

Coins

The Netherlands United East India Company (VOC) issued coins during the 18th century in denominations of 1/undefined and 1 duit, 1/undefined, 1, 2 and 4 3/4 stuiver and 1 rixdollar. After the British took over Ceylon, dump coins (crudely struck copper pieces) were introduced in 1801 in denominations of 1/undefined, 1/undefined and 1/undefined rixdollar. In 1802, milled, copper coins for 1/undefined, 1/undefined and 1/undefined rixdollar were added, although the dump coins continued to be produced until 1816. Silver coins were introduced in 1803 for 24, 48 and 96 stivers. In 1815, copper 1/undefined, 1 and 2 stuiver coins were issued, equal in value to the 1/undefined, 1/undefined and 1/undefined rixdollar denominations. Silver rixdollar coins were issued in 1821.

Banknotes

The Government of Ceylon issued notes denominated in rixdollars, including 5 rixdollar notes in 1809 and 2 rixdollars in 1826.