Lombard Bank is issuing a Limited Edition Silver Ingot to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the arrival in Malta of Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio.

The ingot has been struck in Switzerland in 999 Fine Silver, weighs 100g and measures 35mm x 60mm x 5mm. Each ingot is individually numbered and assay-marked and comes in a presentation box together with a signed Certificate of Authenticity. A booklet on Caravaggio will be distributed with each ingot ordered. The issue is limited to 2,000 pieces, all in brilliant uncirculated condition. It will be sold at Lm30 (VAT included) and for each ingot sold the bank will donate Lm1 to a philanthropic cause.

The release of this silver ingot follows the successful entry in the numismatic field by Lombard Bank. The bank shall continue issuing ingots commemorating events of significance.

The ingot is part of the Caravaggio400 initiative by the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts and The Caravaggio Foundation. A national calendar of events related to the anniversary of the stay in Malta of the great artist will be announced shortly.

Orders for the commemorative silver ingot are being accepted at all Lombard Bank branches in Malta and Gozo, as well as online www.maltacoins.com