On 9 May the Central Bank of Malta issued a numismatic coin to commemorate ten years since Malta adopted the euro.

The coin, which will be struck in cupro-nickel, has a face value of €5 and is only legal tender in Malta. It has a weight of 15.50g and a diameter of 33mm. The minting limit is 2,000 pieces. The coins are produced to Brilliant Uncirculated quality and were designed and minted at the Royal Dutch Mint.

The reverse of the coins carries a stylized representation of 'Malta' and 'Europa' meant to symbolize Malta's currency transition from the Maltese lira to euro in 2008. The obverse of the coin features the coat of arms of Malta.

When Malta became an EU member state on 1 May 2004 the country was committed to join the EMU and adopt the single European currency. To be able to do this Malta had to fulfil a number of conditions concerning the stability of public finances, prices, interest rates and the exchange rate. Malta adopted the euro on 1 January 2008.

Selling at €20 each, coins may be purchased directly from the Malta Coin Centre's online e-shop facility on www.maltacoincentre.com or from the main building of the Central Bank of Malta.

For more information the public is kindly requested to contact the Malta Coin Centre by e-mail on [email protected] or by calling (+356) 2550 6006/7.