The Central Bank of Malta has announced that on the 15th March, they will issue numismatic coins in gold and silver depicting the Order of St. John’s Gran Carracca Sant’Anna. The coins are issued under the Europa Programme and bear the Europa Star logo.
The carrack was one of the most influential ship designs of the Renaissance. Of robust construction and combining speed with maneuverability, carracks could serve as both merchant ships and warships. The Order of St. John’s carrack Sant’ Anna, was launched in December 1522, at about the same time that the knights lost the island of Rhodes (present-day Greece) to the Ottomans. This ship, the pride of the Order’s navy, carried Grand Master Philippe Villiers de L’Isle Adam to Malta in 1530. This event marked the start of the Order’s long sojourn on the island and the start of a new epoch in Maltese history.
The coins are produced in gold and silver by the Royal Dutch Mint at their facilities in Utrecht, on behalf of the Central Bank of Malta, and are designed and engraved by Noel Galea Bason. The reverse of the coins depicts the Gran Carracca Sant’ Anna, a warship renowned for its large size and prodigious firepower. The obverse of the coin features the coat of arms of Malta and the Europa Star logo. These collector coins are issued under the Europa Silver Star Programme in which a variety of euro-zone member states can participate with this year’s theme of Renaissance. The national side may include a distinctive design relevant to the theme while the reverse side includes a common design that includes the Europa Star logo and elements of the country of issue, such as an effigy of a reigning monarch, national crest, or insignia.
| Denom. | Metal | Weight | Diameter | Quality | Maximum Mintage |
| €10 | .925 Silver | 28.2 g | 38.6 mm | Proof | 2,500 |
| €50 | .916 Gold | 6.5 g | 21 mm | Proof | 400 |
Each coin is encapsulated and presented in a branded case which includes the logo of the Central Bank of Malta and is accompanied by a numbered certificate of authenticity. The Central Bank is accepting pre-issue orders now for their official issue date on the 15th March. For additional information about these coins and others issued by the Central Bank, please visit their website.
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