On 11 December the Central Bank of Malta will issue a silver coin commemorating the 40th anniversary of the establishment of Malta as a republic.

The coin has a face value of €10 and was struck in 0.925 silver at the Royal Dutch Mint. It has a weight of 28.28 grams and a diameter of 38.61 mm and is manufactured in proof quality. The mintage is limited to 5,000 coins.

The coin was designed and engraved by Noel Galea Bason. The obverse shows thecoat of arms of Malta, which is reproduced in colour. The reverse portrays the first President of Malta Sir Anthony Mamo flanked by the Prime Minister Dom Mintoff.

President Mamo is shown reading a message to the public gathered on St George's Square, Valletta to celebrate the proclamation of the Republic on 13 December 1974.

The coin may be purchased from the Malta Coins Distribution Centre at the mainbuilding of the Central Bank of Malta in Valletta, or by completing the order form which can be downloaded from the bank's website. The retail price of the coin is €60(including VAT).For more information, the public is kindly requested to contact the Bank's Malta Coins Distribution Centre by email on [email protected] or by calling(+356) 2550 6006/7/8.