Andriambelomasina's rule was distinguished by the introduction of the first Malagasy mint, which was used to produce "tavaiky" silver coins based on the model of the Portuguese "piastre." Foreign coins had long been a preferred currency in dealings with foreign slavers and traders; monarchs were often buried with these valuable items in a display of their wealth. The venture was not long-lasting, however. Its rapid collapse was likely due to a massive influx of foreign-produced coinage following the economic development of the nearby Mascarene islands.