The Central Bank of Malta has issued a silver and a gold coin commemorating Grand Master Jean de La Valette.

The obverse of the coins shows the emblem of Malta with the year of issue 2007. The reverse depicts Grand Master La Valette with the dates of his birth and death (1494 –1568).

These coins are being issued under the Europa Programme 2007 with the theme “European Realisation”. The “Europa Star”’ which is the official logo of this programme, is also shown on the reverse.

These two coins will be the last coins denominated in Maltese lira and their design is the work of Maltese artist Noel Galea Bason. The coins were minted at the Royal Dutch Mint with the following specifications:

Face Value Lm5 Lm25

Metal Silver Gold

Finesse 0.925 0.920

Weight 28.28 (gr) 6.5(gr)

Diameter 38.61 (mm) 21 (mm)

Edition Limit 15,000 2,000

The silver coin is available for sale at the price of Lm16.31 (e38), while the gold coin is available at the price of Lm79.42 (e185) (inclusive of VAT).

These coins can be purchased from the Malta Coins Distribution Centre, Central Bank of Malta, Castile Square, Valletta, or via the bank’s website: www.centralbankmalta.com under the Currency section.

Further information can be obtained by phoning the bank on 2550 6005.