Malta 2 Liri 1977

History

2 Liri 1977, KM# 46, Malta, Great Maltese Thinkers, Luigi Preziosi

Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com

Description

Luigi Preziosi (1888–1965) was a renowned Maltese ophthalmologist, medical researcher, and public figure whose pioneering work had a lasting impact on eye care. He is best known for developing the Preziosi Operation, a surgical technique for treating glaucoma, which gained international recognition and was widely adopted in ophthalmology during the mid-20th century. Beyond his medical contributions, Preziosi also served in the Maltese Legislative Assembly and was actively involved in public health and education. His dedication to medicine and public service made him a respected figure both in Malta and abroad, leaving a legacy of scientific innovation and civic engagement.

Obverse	Coat of arms Malta Navy (ship, submarine etc.) Boat Tree, flower, plant etc. Opuntia Depicts the coat of arms, surrounded by the name of the Republic of Malta above and the date below. The coat of arms was adopted on 11 July 1975, seven months after Malta became a republic. It featured a coastal scene with a rising sun, a traditional Maltese boat (Luzzu), a shovel and pitchfork, and an Opuntia cactus. The emblem sparked controversy due to its non-heraldic nature, and it was replaced shortly after the Nationalist Party's victory in the 1987 election. While there were suggestions to reinstate the 1964 coat of arms, a simplified version of it was ultimately adopted. ·REPUBBLIKA·TA'·MALTA·
Reverse	Person (scientist, inventor, explorer, architect etc.) Luigi Preziosi Depicts a portrait of Luigi Preziosi, facing left, with his name inscribed above the portrait. Behind his head, the years of his birth and death are printed on separate lines, and the denomination accompanied by the pound symbol (£). The year of issue is positioned below the portrait. Designer: Pietro Giampaoli LUIGI PREZIOSI £M2 1888-1965 1977
Edge	Reeded (milled)