Three Melita Bullion Coins were launched Friday by the Central Bank of Malta, in collaboration with Lombard Bank.

The coins, which are legal tender in Malta, will be issued in three different weights and denominations – the largest has a face value of €100 and weighs one troy ounce (31.10g), the half-ounce coin (15.55g) will have a face value of €50 and the quarter-ounce coin (7.77g) will have a face value of €25.

The figure featured on the reverse part of the coin is Melita, whilst the emblem of Malta is displayed on the opposite side.

They are struck in 0.999 gold (24 carats) by PAMP S.A. Mint in Switzerland and rank among the purest official bullion coins available worldwide.

The figure of Melita featured on the coins is inspired by that created by the artist Edward Caruana Dingli for a set of postage stamps which were issued shortly after Malta attained self-government in 1921.

Melita is an allegorical female figure, representing Malta, shown wearing a classical helmet and armour and holding a rudder – an allusion to the fact that in 1921, with the new self-government constitution, Malta was perceived as taking control of her destiny.

The coins are certified and housed individually in a sealed card. Each coin will have a unique profile that can be verified using PAMP’s innovative VERSICAN bullion security system. Scanning using a smartphone app will authenticate the coin.

Coins may be purchased from the Malta Coin Centre (MCC) e-shop on www.maltacoincentre.com

The launch was addressed by Jesmond Gatt, Chief Officer Banking and Issues at the Central Bank of Malta, and Lombard Bank Chief Executive Officer Joseph Said.

Photos: Luke Zerafa