I was very pleased to read the article Rare Coins Added To National Collection (March 30) about the recent acquisition of rare coins minted during the reign of the Knights of St John in Malta in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, being recently purchased at auction in the UK and now brought back to Malta to become part of a national heritage collection.

I have a few coins of the Order of Malta myself but mine are not considered rare. However, I equally cherish the decorations on the coins of unique religious and military symbols - especially the eight-pointed Maltese Cross - as a reminder of the devotion and dedication of the Knights.

I particularly relish one coin with the clasped-hands of friendship and the motto Non aes sed fides which translates into "Not money, but trust". In today's turbulent worldwide financial climate, that motto should be revived with the use of gold and silver coinage. Unless money has a real "worth", it will just be "paper promises" which could be nullified and made void at any time.

The Knights of Malta believed in firm alliances and sound money. Their economy was based on trust that could be verified. We need that type of worthy system now.