- Coat of arms of Malta
Infobox Coat of arms
name = Coat of arms of Malta
image_width = 160
middle =
middle_width =
middle_caption =
lesser =
lesser_width =
lesser_caption =
armiger =
year_adopted =
crest =
torse =
shield =
supporters =
compartment =
motto = _mt. REPUBBLIKA TA' MALTA
orders =
other_elements =
earlier_versions =
use =The Coat of Arms of Malta is the
emblem of the country ofMalta . The present coat of arms is described by the Emblem and Public Seal of Malta Act of1988 as ashield showing an heraldic representation of the National Flag of Malta; above the shield amural crown in gold with asally port and eightturrets (although only five are visible) representing the fortifications of Malta and denoting aCity State ; and around the shield awreath of two branches: the dexter ofOlive , the sinister of Palm, symbols ofpeace and traditionally associated with Malta, all in their proper colours, tied at base with a white ribbon, backed red and upon which are written the words "Repubblika ta' Malta" ("Republic of Malta" in Maltese) in capital letters in black. It also appears on the flag of thePresident of Malta . It also appears on the 10c, 20c and 50cMaltese euro coins .Coat of Arms used between 1975 and 1988
This coat of arms was adopted on the
11 July 1975 , a year after Malta became a republic. It showed a coastal scene with the rising sun, a traditional Maltese boat (the 'Luzzu'), a shovel and a pitchfork, and anOpuntia . All of these symbols are somewhat connected toMalta . Underneath the image the then new name of the state "Repubblika Ta' Malta" (Republic of Malta) was written.This coat of arms could be still seen on a number of coins which were still in circulation until 1st January 2008 when Malta changed its currency to the
euro .Coat of Arms used between 1964 and 1975
This
coat of arms depicts twodolphin s which support ablazon of the Maltese flag, one withpalm branch and the other with anolive twig representing Victory andPeace respectively. Above is a crown shaped like afort with eight octagonal turrets surmounts a helmet, with red and white ribbons. Below are blue waves representing the surroundingMediterranean Sea , the Maltese eight-pointed Cross representing the connection with the Order of St. John, and the motto "Virtute et Constantia" (by Valour and Firmness) on a ribbon. Nowadays, this motto is used by the National Order of Merit.See also
* The Coat of Arms of Malta has been selected as the main motif for a recent commemorative coin, the Maltese Auberge de Castille commemorative coin, minted in 2008. On the reverse the Portico of the
Auberge de Castille is shown; while on the obverse the Coat of Arms is displayed.
*Flag of Malta
*History of Malta
*Culture of Malta
*Politics of Malta External links
* [http://www.doi.gov.mt/EN/state/symbols.asp Maltese national symbols]
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.