The Central Bank of Malta and MaltaPost on Monday will mark the 75th anniversary of the award of the George Cross to Malta, in April 1942, and the arrival of the Sta Marija convoy in August 1942 by issuing a silver coin and a silver foil stamp replica.

The George Cross was awarded to Malta at the height of the bombing campaign against the island, while the Sta Marija Convoy, officially code-named Pedestal, eventually broke the siege.

The coin, struck at the Royal Dutch Mint, shows the emblem of Malta and the year of issue 2017 on the obverse. On the reverse the coin depicts the tanker ‘Ohio’ with a Royal Navy destroyer in the background. This pays tribute to the heroic sacrifice made by the Royal Navy and the Merchant Navy to keep Malta supplied during the Second World War. The coin also depicts the George Cross – a tangible symbol which honours and perpetuates the bravery of the Maltese at the height of the Island’s wartime ordeal.

The coin, which can also be purchased on its own, has a face value of €10. It is struck in 0.925 silver, has a weight of 28.28 grams and a diameter of 38.61 mm. It is struck in proof quality and the mintage is limited to 2,000 coins. The coin was designed and engraved by Noel Galea Bason.

The silver replica stamp was also produced for MaltaPost by the Royal Dutch Mint and depicts the €3.00 postage stamp from the 75th Anniversary 'Operation Pedestal' stamp issue.