Monday, 13th October 2008 - 15:57CET
BOV buys rare coins of the Knights
Bank of Valletta has bought rare coins of the Knights of Malta which were on sale at an auction in London.
The coins are an outstanding example of fine 16th, 17th and 18th century coinage that will enhance the local numismatic collection, the bank said.
They will initially be on display at Bank of Valletta’s head office in Sta Venera and will later be displayed at the BOV Museum at St. John’s Square, where they can be admired by the public.
“Bank of Valletta believes that through the acquisition of these coins it is giving back to society something that is truly significant to the people of these islands. These coins have more than just historical importance for us, they also have significant value as they form part of our common heritage,” Tonio Depasquale, CEO of Bank of Valletta said.
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Comments
The shame is all the civilians that died in Malta, historical monuments we lost all over the island , FOR WHAT??? for someone else's cause, just because we happened to be a strategic point for Mr Churchill and part of your empire. The English took over after we asked for help to get rid of the French , instead we were colonised for 150 years being treated like second class citizens in our own country.
Shame on you Sir!
Mind you, no one told the Brits to come here, they came cause they needed Malta as their base in the Med sea.!
You must be very mistaken to say that Great Britain has only a few old cannons from Malta. The fact that Malta got warplanes and other assistance, particularly during the war, from Great Britain does not justify any looting which might have taken place over the years.
I agree with I. Galea that someone from Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna or some other NGO should start a petition for the return of the La Valette sword and any other treasure taken from Malta.
You want your cannons back from the UK? Perhaps you'll return all the military artefacts that the UK brought over here, like aeroplanes, convoy ships, destroyers. Of course you can't as most of them are under the sea complete with their crews. And you complain about the UK having some old Maltese cannons! Shame.
Yes, a commendable act by the BOV. Investing in our heritage is priceless.
And anyhow, definately worth more than invesitng in some high street bank abroad!!!!
Third world countries as you call them need education and not money!!!!
While it aches me to see La Vallette's sword displayed at the Louvre right underneath Napoleon's crown, at least I am assured that it is well taken care of. If we visit the War Museum, for instance, we will all realise that we are simply incapable of handling the wealth of heritage that is already in our hands. Just look at the deterioration of Gloster Gladiator "Faith". That's how well we can take care of our heritage!
..it is also my wish to be able to admire La Valette's sword in Malta but kindly note that:
At the time Malta fell under the jurisdiction of the Order of St. John, which coincidentally at the time also had a Frenchman as head-of-state with the French language or Auberge being the ruling "party". Legally, Napoleon hence "stole" nothing...he was taking property which in fact belonged to the French.
This sword, sadly, never belonged to Malta.
However, on another note, it would be a nice gesture on the Louvre Museum's part to give it to Malta...since our city carries the name of the sword's owner.
On another note............ all our treasures which are presently abroad (like La Valette sword (FR) and very old cannons (UK)) should be returned to us!