Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 5 Liri 1983, KM# 65, Malta, International Year of Disabled Persons
  • 5 Liri 1983, KM# 65, Malta, International Year of Disabled Persons
Description

The year 1981 was proclaimed the International Year of Disabled Persons (IYDP) by the United Nations. It called for a plan of action with an emphasis on equalization of opportunities, rehabilitation and prevention of disabilities. The slogan of IYDP was "a wheelchair in every home", defined as the right of persons with disabilities to take part fully in the life and development of their societies, enjoy living conditions equal to those of other citizens, and have an equal share in improved conditions resulting from socio-economic development.

Obverse

Depicts the coat of arms, surrounded by the new 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

Depicts the event logo with overlapping elements symbolizing the need to ease mobility, represented by a wheelchair overcoming barriers. The inscription curves along the upper right rim, while the denomination is positioned between the barrier shapes, with the year of issue at the lower left. The IYDP symbol, showing two figures holding hands in solidarity and equality, appears at the bottom left, and the engraver’s initials are subtly placed on the opposite side.

Designer: Noel Galea Bason

ARCHITECTURAL BARRIERS
NG
Lm 5
1983

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.925
Weight 28.28 g
Diameter 38.61 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Mint

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