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Coins Of The Maltese Lira




The first coins of Malta coins were struck in 1972 , as Malta decided to adopt Decimal Currency . There are 10 mils in one cent, and 100 cents in one Maltese Lira .


FIRST SERIES (1972-81)

The first decimal coinage contained the following denominations: 2 mils, 3 mils, 5 mils (these three minted in Aluminium ), 1 cent (originally Bronze , now Copper and Zinc with a slight percentage of Nickel ), 2 cents, 5 cents, 10 cents, 50 cents ( Cupronickel ).

These coins were phased out since 1994 (though still Legal Tender ): http://www.centralbankmalta.com/updates/downloads/pdfs/Decimal06.pdf & http://www.centralbankmalta.com/updates/downloads/pdfs/Decimal05.pdf
  • 2 mils - 8-sided flower shape, showing the Maltese Cross

  • 3 mils - 8-petal flower shape, showing a Bee on a Honeycomb design with two dolphins on either side

  • 5 mils - 12-sided flower shape, showing a water carrier with two dolphins on either side

  • 2 cents - round, showing a Knight wearing an Elm with two dolphins on either side

  • 50 cents - Decagonal , showing the Central Bank of Malta's coat of arms



SECOND SERIES (1975-91)

The Octagonal 25 cent coin (nickel brass) was introduced in June, 1975 to commemorate Malta becoming a Republic within the Commonwealth Of Nations on 13 December , 1974 . A new Coat Of Arms with a coastal scene with the rising sun and the traditional Maltese fishing boat, the Luzzu , was adopted. The 25c coin was the first coin to depict the new republic coat of arms. Interestingly, there are some coins dated 1975 which have the old Dominion coat of arms Obverse . These are mule coins, which are worth the same as the coins depicting the new coat of arms.

A whole new series with the new republic coat of arm was issued in 1986, which consisted of 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50 cents and 1 lira. The 1 lira coin ( Pure Nickel )was introduced on 19 May , 1986 replacing the former banknote.http://www.centralbankmalta.com/site/currency1f.html


THIRD SERIES (1991-)


In 1988 another coat of arms was adopted. This was a combination derived from the old Dominion coat of arms, but it had the Republic's name REPUBBLIKA TA' MALTA (the Maltese for "Republic of Malta") in the scroll below the shield.

The reverse of the 1991 series coins was the same as the previous series, depicting the Maltese coast, rising sun, and luzzu boat. Only the obverse changed. http://www.centralbankmalta.com/site/currency2h.html
  • 1 cent - showing the ''ballottra'' ( Weasel )

  • 2 cents - showing the ''siġra taż-żebbuġ'' ( Olive Tree )

  • 5 cents - showing the ''qabru'' ( Maltese Freshwater Crab )

  • 10 cents - showing the ''lampuka'' ( Dolphin Fish )

  • 25 cents - showing the ''girlanda tal-wied'' ( Evergreen Rose )

  • 50 cents - showing the ''tulliera'' (Maltese Fleabane ), an evergreen plant that grows in the Mediterranean region

  • 1 lira - showing the ''merill'' ( Blue Rock Thrush ), the National bird



REFERENCE