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A 2 euro commemorative coin of the Republic of Malta, issued in 2026. The third in the series "Maltese Native Breeds". Dedicated to the Maltese Pharaoh Hound. 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 a Maltese Pharaoh Hound - an elegant dog with characteristic long erect ears, a slender muscular body, and reddish-golden fur. There may be a symbol of a hare nearby (because it is a hunting dog for hunting rabbits). At the top, in an arc, is the inscription "Kelb tal-Faraon" or "Pharaoh Hound". Below - "MALTA" and the year "2026". On the outer ring - 12 EU stars.
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 - 12 stars of the European Union. The band - with fine ribbing, with a Maltese cross and the inscription "★ 2 ★".
Historical context
The Maltese Pharaoh Hound (Kelb tal-Faraon, English: Pharaoh Hound) is the national dog of Malta and one of the oldest purebred hunting dog breeds in the world. The name "Pharaonic" reflects the breed's resemblance to depictions of dogs in ancient Egyptian art - especially the god Anubis. However, genetic studies have shown that the breed does not originate from ancient Egyptian dogs, but was formed in Malta about 2,000 years ago from local types. This confirms that the Maltese have preserved a pure line of the breed for more than two thousand years. The Kelb tal-Faraon is traditionally used for night hunting for rabbits - the dog has an exceptional sense of smell, sight and hearing, runs silently, but barks when it finds prey. A unique feature of the breed is its "redness" from excitement: the ears and nose turn red when the dog is happy. In 1979, it was declared the national dog of Malta. It deserves protection as a unique living cultural treasure of the island.