Euro Coins
There are eight denominations of euro coins: 1 cent, 2 cent, 5 cent, 10 cent, 20 cent, 50 cent, €1 and €2. The coins differ in size, weight, material, colour and thickness. All the coins have a common side and a national side. However, they can be used freely anywhere throughout the euro area.
The common side was designed by Luc Luycx of the Royal Belgian Mint. The design depicts the map of Europe and the 12 stars of the European Union. The national sides of the Maltese coins were designed by Noel Galea Bason and show country-specific images. These depict the eight-pointed Maltese cross, the Maltese coat-of-arms, and the altar at the Mnajdra prehistoric temple.
Unlike banknotes, the issue of euro coins is a national competence. If a euro area country intends to issue coins with new designs, including commemorative coins, it is duty bound to inform the European Commission. In Malta, coins are issued by the Central Bank of Malta on behalf of the Maltese Government.