Maltese
Definitive Issue Coins - Second Series (not legal tender
after 31 January 2008)
In 1986, Malta issued its second decimal set of coins. These
coins depict Maltese flora and fauna and the emblem of the
Republic of Malta on the back. In 1991, a new version of
these coins with the new Coat of Arms of Malta on the obverse
was issued.
Maltese decimal coins were replaced by euro when
Malta became a member of the euro area and adopted the euro
as its currency on 1 January 2008. Subsequently, the Maltese
currency remained legal tender until 31 January 2008. However
Maltese coins can still be exchanged for euro at the Central
Bank of Malta for up to two years after being demonetised,
that is, till 1 February 2010.
Following are the images and properties of the second series
of the Maltese decimal coins that were in circulation until
January 2008.
Lm1
The reverse shows the
Merrill, Malta's national bird, mainly found in sea-cliffs
or in rocky valleys. The coin has lettering on the edge and
is made of pure nickel. It weighs 13g and has a diameter of
29.82mm.
50 Cents
The coin shows the Tulliera,
an evergreen plant that grows in the Mediterranean region,
predominantly in South East Europe. The coin is made of cupro
nickel and weighs 8g with a diameter of 27.00mm. It has a
lettered edge.
25 Cents
The
reverse depicts the Ghirlanda, a fine sample of Malta's flora
and a rarity on the islands. The coin has an edge with incused
beading and weighs 6.19g with a diameter of 24.95mm. It is
struck in cupro nickel.
10 Cents
This coin shows the Lampuka,
a fish traditionally popular with the Maltese and which is
caught in large quantities in the surrounding sea. This coin
weighs 5.01g and measures 21.78mm in diameter, and is made
of cupro nickel. It has a milled edge.
5 Cents
The reverse depicts
a fresh water crab known as il-Qobru, which is found in a
few Mediterranean islands including Malta. It feeds on various
organisms including frogs and tadpoles. The coin has a weight
of 3.51g and measures 19.78mm in diameter. It is struck in
cupro nickel and has a milled edge.
2 Cents
The coin shows a branch
of the Zebbuga, or olive tree, a very long-living tree which
grows up to 15 metres high with a broad crown and a thick
trunk, sometimes a shrub. The tree is a typical Mediterranean
kind of vegetation. The coin is struck in cupro nickel and
weighs 2.26g with a 17.78mm diameter. The edge is milled.
1 Cent
The coin depicts the
Ballottra, or weasel, a nocturnal animal, which feeds on small
animals such as frogs, rodents, lizards, nestlings and small
rabbits. The coin is in copper and zinc with a slight percentage
of nickel. It has a weight of 2.81g and measures 18.51mm in
diameter, with a plain edge.
