2011 Maltese Gold Proof 50 Euro coin Phoenicians

A 2011 Malta Fifty Euro gold proof coin featuring the Phoenicians in Malta. This 22-carat gold coin was issued by the Central Bank of Malta as part of a commemorative series titled 'Explorers'. Only 2,000 of these proof coins were made.

Coin design
The reverse of the coin depicts the Europa Star around the edge of the coin and a type of longboat in the central image. This boat was used by the Phoenicians, who were early settlers in Malta. The obverse bears the national emblem of Malta since its independence and the year of issue.

Who were the Phoenicians?

The Phoenicians came primarily from Sidon and Tyre in Canaan/Kanaan - an ancient nation the majority of which is now modern-day Lebanon. The travellers came across to the island around 750 BC as part of their search for trade to the west. They used Malta as a stopping point for travel further west to Spain and North Africa, naming it Maleth - 'Shelter'.

Please note: This product is supplied as 'coin only' in a plastic capsule. There is no box or certificate.