Malta Banknotes 5 Maltese Lira banknote 1986 Agatha Barbara
Central Bank of Malta - Bank Ċentrali ta’ Malta
Obverse: Portrait of Ms Agatha Barbara who at the time was President of the Republic of Malta. Image of ancient Maltese sailboat Brigantine of 1531 "Xambekk", nearby is the map of Malta. In top left corner is the white dove with olive branch, as a symbol of peace. Denominations in numerals are in lower left and top right corners. Centered in words. Signatures: Governatur: Mr. Henry C de Gabriele.
Reverse: Windsurfers in the harbor of Mellieha. Image of a woman weaving lace and a fisherman repairs the fishing trap. Fishing nets hangs on the right. Coat of Arms of Malta from 1975 to 1988 is in top right corner. Denominations in numerals are in lower left and top right corners. Centered in words.
Watermark: Allegorical Head of Malta - Melita.
Size: 138 х 69 mm.
Printer: Thomas De La Rue & Company Limited, London England.
Malta banknotes - Malta paper money
In 1986, the Central Bank of Malta issued the fourth series of currency notes, which included denominations of Lm2, Lm5, Lm10 and Lm20, of which the Lm2 and Lm20 note were new denominations. The Lm1 note was not re-issued at this time as it was set to be replaced by the Lm1 coin.The notes, printed by Thomas De La Rue & Co. Ltd, portrayed the President of the Republic at the time, and for the first time, featured the word ‘Lira’ on its own without its accompanying English version, the Pound. In fact, the £ was no longer used and the capital letter ‘L’ was introduced instead. Following an amendment by Act XIII of 1983, the unit of currency in Malta became legally known as the Lira Maltija, with its corresponding symbol, Lm.
In March 1988, an amendment to the Central Bank of Malta Act was passed through which the designs on currency notes issued by the Bank could not portray any person who was still alive at the time.
2 Maltese Lira 5 Maltese Lira 10 Maltese Lira 20 Maltese Lira
Brigantine
In sailing, a brigantine is a two-masted vessel with foremast fully square rigged and her mainmast rigged with both a fore-and-aft mainsail (a gaff sail) and a square topsail, and possibly a topgallant sail. Originally the brigantine was a sail- and oar-driven warship used in the Mediterranean in the XIII century. It was lateen rigged on two masts and had between eight and twelve oars on each side. Its speed, manoeuvrability and ease of handling made it a favourite of the Mediterranean pirates. Its name is derived from the Italian word brigantino, meaning brigand.
Mellieha
Mellieha (il-Mellieħa) is a large village in the northwestern part of Malta. It is a popular tourist destination during the summer months. Mellieha as a village developed under British colonization after the British encouraged people to settle in the area by giving leases to the population. For two centuries previously, the area was abandoned due to fear from attacks of corsairs and Saracens. Before that, only a few villagers lived in the area.
With its marvelous Mediterranean weather, Mellieha is a dream-destination for those in search of sun. The beaches that line the coast of Mellieħa are some of the world's finest. All the "fun under the sun" activities are available, along with top-notch restaurants, nightlife and accommodations.
For visitors looking for non-beach culture, Mellieħa is rich in archaeological sites. The magnificent church, Our Lady Mellieha, is one of Malta's most-prized pieces. It was built shortly after the Knights re-established the island in the 1500s. Every year on August 30th, the feast of Our Ladies of Victories commemorates the repelling of the Ottoman Great Siege in 1565. The celebration lasts until September 8th and it is said that this victory helped save Europe's Christianity. The charm and mystique in the region are alluring. With a combined population of 8,200 residents, Mellieħa and Manikata offer visitors a relaxed "rural-island" experience. The picturesque landscapes on the coastal region are second to none, with many trails leading to spectacular vista points.
Mellieha is also home to many rare and protected species of wildlife. Its close proximity to the seashores attracts a great number of colourful birds.
Coat of Arms of Malta from 1975 to 1988
This coat of arms was adopted on the 11 July 1975, seven months after Malta became a republic. It showed a coastal scene with the rising sun, a traditional Maltese boat, a shovel and a pitchfork, and an Opuntia. All of these symbols are somewhat connected to Malta. Underneath the image the then new name of the state "Repubblika Ta' Malta" (Republic of Malta) was written. This coat of arms was controversial and it was replaced by the current coat of arms soon after the Nationalist Party won the 1987 election.
A dgħajsa (pronounced dysa in Maltese) is a traditional water taxi from Malta. The design of the Dghajsa, like that of another Maltese boat, the luzzu, is believed to date back at least to the Phoenician times. It was mainly used in the area of the Grand Harbour, to carry passengers and small baggage from ships to shore. It was usually propelled by one man standing, facing forward, and pushing on two oars. The high stem and stern pieces seem to be mainly ornamental but they are useful in handling the boat and in the boarding and disembarking of passengers. The decorative symbols vary from boat to boat. Nowadays Dghajjes are no longer used as water taxis but as tourist attractions. They are sometimes motorized with diesel engines. The Dghajsa is one of the symbols of Malta and it appeared on the coat of arms of Malta from 1975 to 1988.
Opuntia, also known as nopales or paddle cactus, is a genus in the cactus family, Cactaceae. They are found in the Mediterranean region of Northern Africa, especially in the most northern nation of Africa, Tunisia, where they grow all over the countryside, and southern Europe, especially on the island nation of Malta, where they grow all over the islands, in the south-east of Spain, and can be found in enormous numbers in parts of South Africa, where it was introduced from South America. On the island of Malta, from the fruit of the paddle cactus, is the liqueur produced (Ambrosia Bajtra 21% vol.), which is the national alcoholic beverage.
Pitchfork and shovel on the shore are the symbol of agriculture.
The eye of god Osiris, painted on the bow, has a particular importance. It is considered here as a symbol of happiness.