Malta 4 Liri 1974

History

4 Liri 1974, KM# 25, Malta, Fortress Malta, Notre Dame Gate

Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com

Description

The Notre Dame Gate, also known as Bieb is-Sultan, is a grand Baroque gateway located in Cottonera, Malta, built in 1675 by the Order of St. John as the main entrance to the Cottonera Lines fortifications. Positioned at the highest point of the area, the gate features a five-level structure that includes underground chambers, barracks, and a gatehouse topped with a signaling post. Its elaborate façade showcases Corinthian pilasters, a bronze bust of Grand Master Nicolas Cotoner, and a marble plaque with a Latin inscription. Serving various military functions through the Hospitaller, French, and British periods, it was later incorporated into a military hospital and used during World War I. Despite sustaining damage in World War II, the gate has been restored and now serves as a heritage site open to the public.

Obverse	Animal (fish, bird, mammal etc.) Dolphin Coat of arms Malta Flag Malta 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	Construction (building, bridge etc.) Gate Depicts a general view of Notre Dame Gate dividing the denomination with the symbol of the pound at the right and the year of issue at the left. Designer: Pietro Giampaoli 1974 £M4
Edge	Reeded (milled)