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A 2 euro commemorative coin of the Republic of Malta, issued in 2021 in a circulation of 60,000 copies - mostly in special coincards. Dedicated to the medical heroes of the pandemic. Design - Maria Anna Frisone. Minted at the Paris Mint. Bimetallic, diameter 25.75 mm, weight 8.5 g.
Overse
The center of the coin depicts two medical workers preparing to face the unknown - a symbol of the dedication of those who were on the front lines of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. At the top, in a semicircle, is the inscription "HEROES OF THE PANDEMIC". At the bottom, in a semicircle, is "MALTA - 2021". 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 ribbed, with a Maltese cross and the inscription "★ 2 ★".
Historical context
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, began in late 2019 in China and spread worldwide in 2020, and was declared a pandemic by the WHO on 11 March 2020. The first case in Malta was registered on 7 March 2020. The Maltese healthcare system, led by Mater Dei Hospital in Msida (the country's only major public hospital), faced unprecedented challenges. Healthcare workers - doctors, nurses, paramedics, technical staff - worked in extremely difficult conditions: a shortage of PPE at the beginning, high workload in intensive care units, the risk of personal infection. Many healthcare workers themselves became infected and some died. Malta has had one of the world's most successful vaccination campaigns, achieving over 80% full vaccination coverage in 2021, among the first in Europe. The Pandemic Heroes coin is the nation's heartfelt gratitude to these individuals.