Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 2 Liri 1973, KM# 20, Malta, Fortress Malta, Mdina Gate
  • 2 Liri 1973, KM# 20, Malta, Fortress Malta, Mdina Gate
Description

The Mdina Gate, also known as the Main Gate or Vilhena Gate, is the grand entrance to the fortified city of Mdina, Malta’s ancient capital. Built in 1724 during the reign of Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena, the Baroque-style gate replaced an earlier medieval entrance and was part of a broader renovation that gave the city a more refined appearance. Flanked by defensive walls and accessed via a stone bridge over a dry moat, the gate features elegant sculptural elements, including coats of arms and a Latin inscription praising Vilhena’s contributions. Beyond its defensive role, the Mdina Gate symbolized authority and grandeur, and today it remains one of the most iconic landmarks of Malta’s Silent City.

Obverse

Depicts the coat of arms of Malta between 1964 and 1975, state name below.

This coat of arms was adopted upon independence on 21 September 1964. It depicts two dolphins which support a depiction of the Maltese flag, one with palm branch and the other with an olive twig representing victory and peace respectively. Above is a mural crown shaped like a fort with five octagonal turrets surmounts a helmet, with red and white ribbons. Below are blue waves representing the surrounding Mediterranean Sea, the Maltese eight-pointed Cross representing the connection with the Order of St. John as well as courage and determination. The ribbon under the shield has the motto Virtute et Constantia (by Valour and Firmness). Nowadays, this motto is used by the National Order of Merit.

VERTUTE ET CONSTANTIA
MALTA

Reverse

Depicts a general view of the Mdina Gate, with the denomination marked by the pound symbol placed on either side, the gate’s name in Maltese displayed at the top, and the year of issue positioned at the bottom.

Designer: Pietro Giampaoli

IL BIEB TA'L-IMDINA
£M 2
1973

Edge

2 Liri (2 Pounds)

KM# 20
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.987
Weight 20 g
Diameter 38.2 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Malta Mint

Related coins

Pattern, Fort St. Angelo

Fortress Malta

Copper
Notre Dame Gate

Fortress Malta

Silver, 20 g, ⌀ 38 mm
Saint Agatha's Tower

Fortress Malta

Silver, 20 g, ⌀ 38 mm