Malta: Proof Gold and Silver Coins Mark 50 Years of the Republic

This small Mediterranean island became a Republic on the 13th December 1974, following constitutional amendments approved by the Maltese Parliament. Prior to the status of a Republic, the island of Malta was granted the status of a Crown Colony with the agreement of the Bathurst constitution. This was initiated on the 23^rd July 1813 and from then on, Sir Thomas Maitland was appointed as the first Governor of Malta. During the Second World War, Malta and her people showed exceptional bravery in the face of deadly attacks as the island was a key naval base for Britain. During this time, Malta was heavily bombed by German and Italian air forces, and as recognition of the Maltese and their courage, King George VI awarded the George Cross to the entire nation, Britain's highest civilian decoration for heroism. Since that time, the decoration has been displayed on the Maltese flag which can be seen in the upper left corner.

Malta achieved its independence as the State of Malta on the 21st September 1964 which is recognised as the country’s Independence Day. Under its 1964 constitution, Malta initially retained Queen Elizabeth II as Queen of Malta and as head of state, with a governor-general exercising executive authority on her behalf. In 1971 with a change in the government, Malta declared itself a Republic on the 13th December 1974 and on that day the country's first president, Sir Anthony Mamo was sworn in. Malta remained within the Commonwealth. The 13^th December is celebrated in Malta as Republic Day and this year, the celebrations take on a greater significance as it is the 50^th anniversary of this declaration. A stone tablet was created which is placed on the outer front wall of the Presidential Palace and includes these words

13 TA DICEMBRU 1974 MALTA KBURIJA LI L-PARLAMENT TAGHHA B’MAĠĠORANZA KBIRA IDDIKJARAHA REPUBBLIKA L-AKWA GIEH LI KISBET GĦALL-EWWEL DARBA FIL-GRAJJA TAGĦHA

(13^th December 1974, Malta is proud that parliament with a large majority has declared her a republic; the greatest honour achieved for the first time in its grand life)

Both the 100 Euro gold and 10 Euro silver Proof coins are produced by the Royal Dutch Mint at their facilities in Houten, Netherlands on behalf of the Central Bank of Malta and designed by Noel Galea Bason. The obverse side of the coins features the marble tablet displayed on the façade of the Presidential Palace in Valletta, commemorating Malta's historic transition from a monarchy to a republic.

Available from the 13^th December, both the gold and silver proof quality coins are encapsulated and presented in a custom Malta Coin Centre-branded case accompanied with a certificate of authenticity. For additional information, please visit the e-webshop of the Malta Con Centre.