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Issue of gold numismatic coin representing one-third farthing

On 19 November 2015 the Central Bank of Malta will be issuing a numismatic coin in gold representing the one-third farthing. This coin has a face value of €5 and will be sold at €60 (including VAT).

The introduction of British coinage in Malta in 1825 necessitated the introduction of a coin equivalent to the grano, which was the smallest denomination used during the time of the Order of St John. The first one-third farthing was struck for use in Malta in February 1827 at the Royal Mint in England. This coin which was locally known as ?abba was no longer minted after 1913 and appears to have gone out of circulation by the 1930s.

The Bank's gold numismatic coin was designed and engraved by Noel Galea Bason and is of proof quality. The obverse shows the emblem of Malta and the year of issue 2015. The reverse features a representation of the first pattern of one-third farthing used in Malta between 1827 and 1860. It depicts Britannia seated and holding a trident.

The coin is struck in 0.999 gold at the Royal Dutch Mint, has a weight of 0.5 grams and a diameter of 11 mm. The mintage is limited to 2,500 coins. It 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 or by calling (+356) 2550 6006/7/8.