Malta 1 Lira 1972

History

Obverse. Image Courtesy of Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS.com)

Description

Emmanuel Giovanni Salvatore Pietro Dimech (1860–1921), commonly known as Manwel Dimech, was a Maltese social reformer, writer, philosopher, and political thinker who played a pioneering role in promoting education, workers’ rights, and national consciousness in early 20th-century Malta. Rising from a troubled youth and time in prison, Dimech transformed himself into a powerful voice for the poor and working class through his newspaper Il-Bandiera tal-Maltin and his movement Ix-Xirka ta’ l-Imdawlin (The League of the Enlightened). He challenged British colonial authority and the conservative establishment, advocating for secular education, freedom of thought, and social justice. Viewed as a threat by both church and state, he was exiled in 1914 and died in internment in Egypt in 1921. Today, he is celebrated as a national hero and a foundational figure in Malta’s modern intellectual and political history.

Designer: Pietro Giampaoli

Obverse	Animal (fish, bird, mammal etc.) Dolphin Coat of arms Malta Flag Malta Depicts the coat of arms of Malta between 1964 and 1975, with the state name below. The coat of arms of Malta between 1964 and 1975, adopted upon independence, featured a vertically divided shield of white and red, reflecting the national flag, with a blue canton bearing the George Cross in the upper hoist of the white field—symbolizing the bravery of the Maltese people during World War II. The shield was crowned with a gold mural crown, representing Malta's historic fortifications and self-governance. It was flanked by two supporters: a dolphin on the left, symbolizing Malta's close ties to the sea, and a Maltese cross-topped trident on the right, reflecting maritime strength and identity. This coat of arms embodied the island’s sovereign status, military heritage, and strategic maritime character until it was replaced in 1975. VERTUTE ET CONSTANTIA MALTA
Reverse	Person (politician, revolutionary, entrepreneur) Manwel Dimech Depicts a formal portrait of Manwel Dimech, shown smiling and facing left, with his name inscribed above the portrait. Behind his head, the denomination accompanied by the pound symbol (£) and the year of issue are printed on separate lines. A palm leaf motif runs along the rim, while the years of his birth and death appear on the left side. The word "Specimen" is positioned at the bottom of the image. MANWEL DIMECH £M 1 1972 1860 1921 SPECIMEN
Edge	Reeded (milled)