Launched last month during a ceremony held at the Malta Railway Museum in Birkirkara, the coins mark a unique chapter in Malta’s transport history, honouring the Malta Railway – the island’s only train service, which operated from 1883 to 1931. This year marks 155 years since the first proposal for a railway in Malta was submitted in 1870. In June 1879, the Malta Railway Company Limited was formed and was granted a 99-year government concession to build a railway line between Valletta and Malta’s second city Mdina.
The railway was formally inaugurated on the 28th February 1883 and provided a needed connection from Valletta to Mdina and later Mtarfa, serving as a vital link across Malta during the British colonial era. The railway was colloquially known locally in Maltese as il-vapur tal-art or, the land ship and had enjoyed initial success and popularity. But after time, passenger numbers unexpectedly dwindled and in April 1890, the private company was forced to wind down its business. Believing the rail line still provided vital service, the government decided to resume the railway service again in February 1892. As a result of this decision, and in 1895, plans were made to extend the railway line beyond Notabile Station. A tunnel was excavated under Mdina to enable the railway to accommodate passenger traffic from Mtarfa barracks. The present Museum station, named after the Roman Domus museum in Rabat, was also built as part of the extension. The railway addition cost around £20,000 and was inaugurated on the 9th June 1900. However, taking into consideration Malta is a small island country and the added choice of motorised buses which were introduced in Malta during the 1920’s serving similar routes, dealt the railway a fatal blow. The railway service was formally terminated on the 2nd April 1931.
The silver proof coins are produced by the Royal Dutch Mint at their facilities in Houten, Netherlands and on behalf of the Central Bank of Malta. Designed by engraver and artist Miriam Mazzalli, the obverse side of each of the three coins in the set pay tribute to the iconic steam locomotives utilised on the railway from 1883 to 1931 and the innovative spirit of the time, capturing the essence of an era when the railway symbolised progress and connectivity on the island. Above each design and along the left half alongthe rim is the text IL-VAPUR TAL-ART (the Land ship) with the denomination 10 EURO placed over each depiction. Along the lower rim just under the primary designs is the additional text THE MALTA RAILWAY. The reverse side of each coin is designed by artisan engraver Noel Galea Bason and features the coat of arms of Malta along with the text MALTA on the left and the year of issue 2025 on the right. The crest is surrounded with twelve stars representing the European Union.
Denomination Metal Weight Diameter Quality Mintage limit 10 Euro X 3.999 Silver 31.1 g. 38.6 mm. Proof600 Sets
Available as a complete three-piece set, each coin is encapsulated and presented in a custom case accommodating all coins and is accompanied with a certificate of authenticity. For additional information, please visit the e-webshop of the Malta Coin Centre.