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Auberge de Provence Gold and Silver Coin Issue

On 26 July 2013 the Central Bank of Malta will issue two numismatic coins, in gold and in silver, depicting the Auberge de Provence. This will be the fifth of the Auberges of the Knights of St John that will be depicted as part of the Bank’s coin programme. The gold coin has a face value of €15 while the silver coin has a face value of €10.

The coins were struck at the Royal Belgian Mint. The obverse of the coins shows the emblem of Malta with the year of issue. The reverse features the façade of the Auberge de Provence.

The Auberge de Provence was built in the 1570s according to a plan drawn up by the renowned Maltese architect Gerolamo Cassar. In the late 17th century, the French engineer Mederico Blondel remodelled the Auberge, giving it a more ornate façade. In the early 19th century, following the departure of the Knights and the arrival of the British in Malta, the Auberge de Provence was used as military accommodation and later on as a hotel. In 1826 the upper part of the Auberge was leased to the Malta Union Club. The latter extended its lease to the whole building in 1903 and occupied it until 1955, when it was transferred to the Government to house Malta’s National Museum. The National Museum became known as the National Museum of Archaeology in 1974 and continues to occupy the premises.

The €15 coin, which is limited to 2,500 pieces, is struck in 0.999 gold, weighs 1.25 grams, and has a diameter of 14 mm. The €10 coin is struck in 0.925 silver, weighs 18.75 grams, and has a diameter of 33 mm. It has a minting limit of 5,000 pieces. Both coins are struck to proof quality. These were designed and engraved by the Maltese artist, Noel Galea Bason.

The coins may be purchased from the Malta Coins Distribution Centre counter at the main building of the Central Bank of Malta, or by completing the order form which can be downloaded from the Bank’s website.

For more information, the public is kindly requested to contact the Bank’s Malta Coins Distribution Centre by email or by calling 356 2550 6006/7/8.