Depicts the coat of arms of Malta, the state name, and the year of issue.

The present coat of arms depicts a shield showing a heraldic representation of the national flag of Malta; above the shield a mural crown with a sally port and five turrets representing the fortifications of Malta and denoting a city-state; and around the shield a wreath of two branches: the dexter of olive, the sinister of palm, symbols of peace and traditionally associated with Malta, tied at base with a ribbon with written the words Repubblika ta' Malta (“Republic of Malta” in Maltese) in capital letters.

The George Cross was incorporated into the Flag of Malta beginning in 1943 and remains on the flag adopted at the country's independence in 1964. The George Cross (GC) is the highest award bestowed by the British government for non-operational gallantry or gallantry not in the presence of an enemy. In the UK honours system, the George Cross is equal in stature to the Victoria Cross, the highest military gallantry award. This has been the case since the introduction of the award in 1940.

Depicts a goalkeeper in action catching the ball, surrounded by text about the event above and the denomination below.

Designed by MDM Braunschweig