Shopping Cart
A 2 euro commemorative coin of the Republic of Malta, issued in 2023 with a circulation of 80,500 copies. Dedicated to the 225th anniversary of the arrival of the French in 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 stylized profile of Napoleon Bonaparte next to architectural details of 18th-century Malta or a French military motif. At the top, along the arc, is the inscription "225 ANNIVERSARJU MIT-TLUQ TAL-FRANCĊIŻI MIT-TARZNA TA' MALTA" or similar. At the bottom, the name of the country "MALTA" and the year "2023". 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 edge - with fine ribbing, with a Maltese cross and the inscription "★ 2 ★".
Historical context
On June 12, 1798, Napoleon Bonaparte's fleet, heading for Egypt, arrived in Malta. Without much fighting, the Order of Saint John (Knights of Malta), which had ruled the island since 1530, capitulated to superior French forces. Grand Master Ferdinand von Gompes abdicated and fled the island. This put an end to the 268-year rule of the Knights. The French occupiers carried out numerous reforms: they abolished feudalism, slavery, and religious orders; and they introduced a new administrative system modeled on the French Revolution. However, the confiscation of church property, the persecution of Catholic traditions, and the looting and damage caused a popular uprising in September 1798. The Maltese, led by the priest Francesco Carusana Severi, laid siege to the French garrison in Valletta. With the help of the British fleet under Horatio Nelson and the Portuguese, the Maltese expelled the French in 1800. In 1814, Malta became a British colony under the Treaty of Paris.