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A 2 euro commemorative coin of the Republic of Malta, issued in 2015 in a circulation of 350,000 copies. The fifth and last 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 a marble memorial slab attached to the facade of the Presidential Palace (Palazzo Magistrale) in Valletta, which commemorates the proclamation of the Republic. At the top right, in a circle, is the inscription "MALTA – Republic 1974". At the bottom, the year of issue "2015". The mint mark is present only in FDC sets. 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 - a large denomination "2" and the inscription "EURO", on the right - a map with six thin horizontal lines in the background. On the outer ring are the 12 stars of the European Union. The band - with thin ribbing, with the Maltese cross and the inscription "★ 2 ★".
Historical context
The Republic of Malta - was proclaimed on 13 December 1974, when Malta officially ceased to be a Commonwealth monarchy and became a republic. Prior to this, since 1964, Malta had been an independent Commonwealth monarchy with Queen Elizabeth II as head of state, represented by the Governor-General. Prime Minister Dom Mintoff (Labour Party) initiated the transformation into a republic as part of his nationalist course. On 13 December 1974, the Parliament of Malta approved amendments to the Constitution, which established the position of president as head of state. The first President of the Republic was Anton Buttigieg (1912–1983), a politician and poet. The residence of the President was the Palace of the Grand Master in Valletta, previously the place of meetings of the Governor-General. The republican status of Malta emphasized its full sovereignty and completed the stages of post-colonial development - from 1849 (first elections), 1887 (majority), 1921 (self-government), 1964 (independence) to 1974 (Republic).