2 Liri MTL #333

Front

The Central Bank of Malta headquarters building in Castille Place, Valletta, designed in modernist architectural style and completed in 1966. The building served as the first dedicated headquarters of Malta's newly independent central banking authority. The Maltese coat of arms appears at upper right, featuring a heraldic shield quartered with the George Cross, red and white vertical stripes, and supporting figures. The inscription references the legal authority under which the Central Bank was established following Maltese independence.

Back

An allegorical female figure representing Malta, dressed in classical robes and holding a ship's rudder (symbolizing navigation and Malta's maritime heritage) and a cornucopia (horn of plenty, symbolizing prosperity). The Maltese text 'Din il-karta tal-flus hija valuta legali ghal' translates to 'This banknote is legal tender for'. The note is denominated 'ZEWG LIRI' (Two Liri) and references the Central Bank of Malta Act 1967, which established the modern Central Bank following Malta's independence from Britain in 1964.

History

This note belongs to the first series issued by the independent Central Bank of Malta under the Central Bank of Malta Act 1967, replacing the earlier Maltese pound notes issued under British colonial authority. The series was introduced in 1967 following Malta's transition to full monetary independence. The Maltese lira (plural: liri) was the currency of Malta from 1972 until adoption of the euro on 1 January 2008, though notes continued to be exchangeable until 31 January 2008. This 2 Liri note was part of a family of denominations printed by Thomas De La Rue featuring modernist architecture and allegorical imagery. The serial number format (prefix letter + numeric block) was standard for this series. Printed by Thomas De La Rue & Company Limited as indicated in small text at lower right of the front.