Coins of the Maltese lira

The first coins of Malta coins had been struck since 1972, as Malta decided to adopt decimal currency, until the end of 2007. There are 10 mils in one cent, and 100 cents in one Maltese lira. These coins were designed by Christopher Ironside OBE.

These coins were phased out since 1994 (though still legal tender):

Value Diameter Composition Edge Obverse Reverse first minting withdrawal
2 mils 19mm Aluminium plain Maltese Cross Value 1972 1994
3 mils 22mm Aluminium plain a bee on a honeycomb Value 1972 1994
5 mils 26mm Aluminium plain a water carrier Value 1972 2008
1 cent 25mm Bronze plain George Cross Value 1972 1986
2 cent 17mm Cupronickel milled Knights Hospitaler wearing an elm Value 1972 1986
5 cent 23.59 Cupronickel milled an artal in Hal Tarxien Temples Value 1972 1986
10 cents 28.52 mm Cupronickel milled a Maltese ship Value 1972 1986
25 cents 28 mm Brass plain coat of arms with a coastal scene with the rising sun and the traditional Maltese fishing boat, the luzzu Value 1975 1986
50 cents 32 mm Cupronickel plain Great Siege Monument Value 1972 1994

Second series (1975-91)

The octagonal 25 cent coin (nickel brass) was introduced in June, 1975 to commemorate Malta becoming a republic within the Commonwealth of Nations on 13 December 1974. A new coat of arms with a coastal scene with the rising sun and the traditional Maltese fishing boat, the luzzu, was adopted. It had the Republic's name REPUBBLIKA TA' MALTA (the Maltese for "Republic of Malta") in the scroll. The 25c coin was the first coin to depict the new republic coat of arms. Interestingly, there are some coins dated 1975 which have the old Dominion coat of arms obverse. These are mule coins, which are worth the same as the coins depicting the new coat of arms.

A whole new series with the new republic coat of arm was issued in 1986, which consisted of 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50 cents and 1 lira. The 1 lira coin (pure nickel)was introduced on 19 May 1986 replacing the former banknote.[1]

Third series (1991-2007)

In 1988 another coat of arms was adopted. This was a combination derived from the old Dominion coat of arms, but it had the Republic's name Malta above the shield.

The reverse of the 1991 series coins was the same as the previous series, depicting the Maltese coast, rising sun, and luzzu boat. Only the obverse changed. The Lm 1 coin was rarely used a few months before the euro introduction.

Third Series [1]
Image Value € equiv. Technical parameters Description Date of
Diameter Mass Composition Edge Obverse Reverse first minting withdrawal lapse
[2] 1 cent 0.02 cent 18.51 mm 2.81 g Copper, zinc, a slight percentage of nickel Plain Coat of arms Ballottra (weasel) 1991 31 January 2008[2] 1 February 2010[2]
[3] 2 cents 0.04 cent 17.78 mm 2.26 g Cupronickel Milled Coat of arms Zebbuga (olive tree) 1991 31 January 2008[2] 1 February 2010[2]
[4] 5 cents 0.12 cent 19.78 mm 3.51 g il-Qabru (Maltese freshwater crab)
[5] 10 cents 0.23 cent 21.78 mm 5.01 g Lampuka (dolphin fish)
[6] 25 cents 0.58 cent 24.95 mm 6.19 g Incused beading Ghirlanda (evergreen rose)
[7] 50 cents 1.16 27 mm 8 g Lettered Tulliera (Maltese Fleabane), an evergreen plant that grows in the Mediterranean region
[8] Lm1 2.33 29.82 mm 13 g Nickel Merrill (Blue Rock Thrush), the national bird
For table standards, see the coin specification table.

References

  1. ^ The Coinage of Malta - The Central Bank of Malta
  2. ^ a b c d European Central Bank. "The euro cash changeover in Malta". http://www.ecb.eu/bc/euro/changeover/malta/html/index.en.html. Retrieved 2008-01-15.