Malta 2 Liri 1976

History

2 Liri 1976, KM# 40, Malta, Great Maltese Thinkers, Ġużè Ellul Mercer

Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com

Description

Ġużè Ellul Mercer (1897–1961) was a prominent Maltese writer, journalist, and politician known for his deep commitment to social justice and education. Born in Msida, he began his career in the civil service before becoming actively involved in the Labour Party, eventually serving as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Public Works and Reconstruction in the 1950s. As a writer, Ellul Mercer is celebrated for his psychological novel Leli ta' Ħaż-Żgħir (1938), which delves into the complexities of Maltese village life and the individual's struggle against societal norms. His wartime diary, Taħt in-Nar (1949), offers a poignant account of Malta during World War II. Through his literary and political endeavors, Ellul Mercer sought to enlighten and uplift the Maltese people, leaving a lasting impact on the nation's cultural and political landscape.

Obverse	Coat of arms Malta Navy (ship, submarine etc.) Boat Tree, flower, plant etc. Opuntia Coat of arms between 1975 and 1988, the new name of the Republic of Malta. The coat of arms was adopted on the 11 July 1975, seven months after Malta became a republic. It showed a coastal scene with the rising sun, a traditional Maltese boat (Luzzu), a shovel and a pitchfork, and an Opuntia. The emblem was controversial since it was not heraldic, and it was replaced by the current coat of arms soon after the Nationalists won the 1987 election. It was proposed that the 1964 coat of arms be readopted, but eventually a simplified version of it was chosen. ·REPUBBLIKA·TA'·MALTA·
Reverse	Person (politician, revolutionary, entrepreneur) Ġużè Ellul Mercer Depicts a formal portrait of Ġużè Ellul Mercer, facing three-quarters right, with his name inscribed above the portrait. Behind his head, the denomination accompanied by the pound symbol (£) and the years of his birth and death appear on the right side, printed on separate lines. The years of issue are at the bottom. Engraver: Pietro Giampaoli ĠUŻÈ ELLUL MERCER £M 2 1897 1961 J.P. 1976
Edge	Inscribed (lettered) Republic of Malta REPUBBLIKA TA MALTA