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A 2 euro commemorative coin of the Republic of Malta, issued in 2014 in a circulation of 380,000 copies. The fourth in the series "Constitutional History of Malta". It was minted at the Paris Mint. Bimetallic, diameter 25.75 mm, weight 8.5 g.
Obverse
The center of the coin depicts an allegorical female figure symbolizing Malta, holding the Maltese flag with the St. George's Cross above her head. The woman stands in a dynamic pose - as if stepping forward into a new era. On the right, in an arc, is the inscription "MALTA – Independence 1964". At the bottom is the year of issue "2014". On the outer ring are the 12 five-pointed stars of the European Union.
Reverse
The reverse is the common side of the 2 euro coins of the second type, designed by Luc Luix (Royal Belgian Mint). It depicts a map of Europe as a single continent without internal borders - a symbol of European unity. On the left is a large denomination "2" and the inscription "EURO", on the right is a map with six thin horizontal lines in the background. On the outer ring are the 12 stars of the European Union. The band is finely fluted, with the Maltese cross and the inscription "★ 2 ★".
Historical context
Malta's independence was achieved on September 21, 1964, when Great Britain granted the island full independence after more than 150 years of colonial rule (since 1814). Before that, Malta gradually gained more autonomy: in 1921 - self-government, in 1947-1958 - a new constitution after World War II (during which Malta heroically withstood a long blockade and was awarded the St. George's Cross in 1942). In 1956, a referendum was held on integration with Great Britain, but due to uncertainty about the results, the British refused. In 1964, following negotiations between Maltese Prime Minister George Borg Olivier and the British government, a new constitution was agreed. On 21 September 1964, Malta adopted the Act of Independence. George Borg Olivier became the first Prime Minister of independent Malta. Malta remained a Commonwealth monarchy with Queen Elizabeth II until 1974, when it became a Republic.