I would like to make a few comments and suggestions on the selected designs which will eventually be placed on the euro coins.

Since the coins are significantly small, the less complex the designs, the better explained they will be. Therefore in this respect, for the prehistoric theme, the altar and the figurines are adequate; however the Ggantija temples may create a problem.

One has to keep in mind also that the coins will indirectly advertise a branding image for Malta with Europeans. A suggestion for this prehistoric section will be the introduction of the fat lady.

In view that there are several representations of this figurine, I recommend either the one wearing a pleated skirt, showing the advanced textile culture of the islands in so early a time, or the lady in a relaxed position with her feet bent beneath her. This somehow creates a connection between relaxation and Malta.

For the second theme of the renaissance, I strongly recommend a religious image. The Christian Religion is deeply engraved in Europe’s history and the Christian faith is still very strong in Malta. If the parochial issue was not so problematic, I would have suggested the masterpiece statue of St Paul, venerated at St Paul’s parish church in Valletta.

However another favourite icon would be the replica image of Our Lady of the Grotto found at the Dominicans’ Friary in Rabat. Although not directly connected with the renaissance, this image is very simple in design; it has its origins in Malta and its culture, and it has communicated with the Maltese community relatively recently.

For the third theme: Malta’s identity, I cannot but praise the selection of the Coat of Arms of Malta.

For the last theme: The Archipelago, the identified map does not offer a faithful representation of the islands and may give a wrong impression of the shape of Malta, to be branded overseas. For this section I believe that the skyline of Mdina will be the most identifiable with the islands. A good image of Mdina’s skyline may be the one used by the Malta Tourism Authority for its festivals.

Pauline Dingli

Rabat