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A 2 euro commemorative coin of the Republic of Malta, issued in 2017 in a circulation of 350,000 copies. The second in the series "Maltese Prehistoric Temples". It was minted at the Paris Mint. Bimetallic, diameter 25.75 mm, weight 8.5 g.
Obverse
The center of the coin depicts a view of the megalithic temple of Hagar Qim: characteristic massive slabs with a carved round window (probably for solar observations) and large portals. At the top, along the arc, is the inscription "Templi tal-Ħaġar Qim" (Temples of Hagar Qim). Below is the name of the issuing country "MALTA" and the year "2017". 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 rim is finely fluted, with a Maltese cross and the inscription "★ 2 ★".
Historical context
Hagar Qim (Maltese for "Standing Stones") is a megalithic temple complex on the south coast of Malta, built during the Megalithic phase of the Maltese Neolithic culture between 3600 and 3200 BC. The complex is located on a hill overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, near the Mnajdra temples. Hagar Qim has four main buildings connected by a central corridor. The most prominent feature is the solar orientation: at dawn on the summer solstice (June 21), the first rays of the sun pass through a special round hole in the wall, illuminating the altar. This indicates the astronomical knowledge of the builders. Among the finds at Hajar Kim are the famous "Venus of Malta" figurines (fertility figures), altars with decorative carvings. In 2009, a protective tent was built over the temple to protect it from erosion. Hajar Kim was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1992, along with other Maltese megalithic temples.