Malta 2 Lira Banknote – Allegorical Malta & Island Architecture (1989 Issue)
Pick# 41a | Numista# 36495
The 1989 Malta 2 Lira note marks a confident chapter in the island’s post-independence narrative. Issued by the Bank Centrali ta’ Malta just 25 years after the country gained sovereignty, it reflects a nation asserting its identity through symbolism, architecture, and design. At a time when Malta was solidifying its role on the global stage, this note offered a visual declaration of pride—rooted in history, yet forward-looking.
Design Highlights
Obverse: At the center stands an allegorical figure of Malta, poised and resolute, holding a ship’s rudder—a nod to the island’s maritime legacy and its self-determined course. The pair of doves beside her evoke peace and diplomacy, while the watermark—a turreted head—recalls Malta’s fortified cities and centuries of strategic importance in the Mediterranean.
Reverse: The reverse features architectural vignettes from both Malta and Gozo, showcasing the diversity of the islands’ built heritage. These aren’t generic buildings—they’re emblematic of Malta’s layered history, from Baroque facades to rural stone structures. The layout is clean yet expressive, with subtle design flourishes that echo traditional Maltese aesthetics.
Color Palette: A regal blend of purple and muted tones, chosen not just for visual appeal but to convey dignity, sovereignty, and cultural depth.
Key Specifications
Feature Description
Country Malta
Issuer Bank Centrali ta’ Malta
Series 1989 ND Issue
Pick Number P# 41a
Denomination 2 Lira (Lm2)
Size 138 × 67 mm
Material Paper
Printer Thomas De La Rue (UK)
Year of Issue 1989
Security Features Watermark (Turreted head of Malta), microtext, serial numbers
Why Collect This Note
This note isn’t just a monetary artifact—it’s a cultural statement. It speaks to Malta’s transition from colonial rule to independent republic, and its effort to define itself through art, architecture, and allegory. For collectors, it offers more than aesthetic appeal: it’s a snapshot of a nation in the process of self-definition.
Ideal for those interested in:
Post-independence European currency
Symbolic and allegorical banknote design
Maltese history, architecture, and identity
