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Issue of numismatic coins - Auberge d'Aragon

On 30 June 2014 the Central Bank of Malta will issue two numismatic coins, in gold and in silver, depicting the Auberge d'Aragon. This will be the fourth in the Central Bank of Malta's series of numismatic coins featuring the Auberges of the Knights of St John.

The Auberge d'Aragon was built in the 1570s according to a plan designed by the Maltese architect Gerolamo Cassar. It is the only one of the Auberges still standing as it was originally built in the 16th century. Following the departure of the Knights and the arrival of the British in Malta, in the early 19th century, the Auberge d'Aragon was used for military administration purposes. Around the middle of that century a Doric portico was added to the building to embellish its austere façade. With the departure of the British after Malta's Independence in 1964 the building served as the office of the Prime Minister until 1972. Since then it has become the seat of various government ministries.

The gold coin has a face value of €15 while the silver coin has a face value of €10. The obverse of the coins shows the emblem of Malta with the year of issue. The reverse features the façade of the Auberge d'Aragon.

The €15 coin, which is limited to 1,000 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 2,500 pieces. Both coins are of proof quality and were struck at the Royal Belgian Mint. They were designed and engraved by the Maltese artist, Noel Galea Bason.

The coins may be purchased from the Malta Coins Distribution Centre 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.