Depicts the coat of arms of Malta, state name, and 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 the Maltese freshwater crab (known as the Qabru in Maltese) and denomination.

The Maltese freshwater crab is a subspecies of freshwater crab, endemic to certain areas within the Maltese Islands. It is very rare and its numbers have been decreasing in recent years. It is a decapod (a crustacean with 10 legs) and can grow up to 80 millimetres (3 in) in width. It is greenish-grey with some occasional orange-yellow patches, and an overall purple hue on the legs.