23/05/2014

Issue of numismatic coin - First World War centenary

On 23 May 2014 the Central Bank of Malta issued a silver coin commemorating the 100^th Anniversary of the commencement of the First World War. The coin has a face value of €10. The Bank also issued a similar coin in a brass version with a face value of €5.

The coins were minted at the Royal Belgian Mint. The silver coin is struck in 0.925 silver, has a weight of 22.85 grams and a diameter of 37 mm. The coin is of proof quality and its mintage is limited to 5,000 coins. The brass coins will be in circulation quality and will be sold in rolls of 20 coins per roll.

The coins were designed and engraved by Noel Galea Bason. The obverse shows the emblem of Malta and the year of issue, 2014. The reverse features a nurse administering medication to a wounded soldier. This recalls the humanitarian role that Malta played during the First World War with its 27 hospitals and convalescent camps, where thousands of casualties of the war were treated. The reverse of the coin also features a soldier and a red-coloured poppy which is the evocative symbol of remembrance of all soldiers who died in the conflict. This is the first time that colour has been used on a Maltese coin.

The coins may be purchased from the Malta Coins Distribution Centre at the main building of the Central Bank of Malta in Valletta, 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 on mcdc@centralbankmalta.org or by calling (+356) 2550 6006/7/8.

         

 

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