The Mediterranean Sea has one of the richest and most diverse histories in the world. The location of many of the greatest ancient civilisations, like Greece, Persia, Egypt, and Rome, and tumultuous other periods like the Crusades and World War II, this large, almost land-locked sea has seemingly seen it all. Sitting near its centre, just south of Italy, lies the island of Malta, one continuously inhabited since at least 5,000 BCE, and with a rich history of its own.

Germania Mint has been issuing coins for the island since 2021, starting with a three-coin ‘Knights of the Past’ series, and cemented by the issuing of a bullion coin, the Maltese Golden Eagle, and its associated higher-end numismatic variants. In 2024, they issued a gorgeous pair of ennobled coins featuring a stylised Bee design, and it is this coin that the Maltese Ox release we see here is issued to follow, also consisting of the same two formats, right down to the finishing.

The Maltese Ox (Gendus), also known as “Il-Baqra Maltija”, was widely employed in the island’s agriculture, and these large, but gentle animals were pivotal for centuries, but their numbers dwindled rapidly, and now they are critically endangered, with no 100% pure-breed animals still alive. Mankind did what it always does. Hopefully, the animal conservation efforts will be successful, and it will roam this beautiful island for centuries to come.

The more affordable of the two variants, designed by Natalia Danysz, is a one-ounce coin with a 1,000 unit mintage. The bull’s head, framed by a swirling pattern of lines symbolising the Mediterranean winds, is plated in dark ruthenium, with the central background area gilded with yellow gold. The same is true of the obverse, although the centre section is occupied by the shield of Malta. A fine design, tapping into Malta’s historical iconography. The coin comes in a really nice wooden box with a quality fabric interior.

The second coin is a two-ounce variant, with a slightly large diameter, and no plain silver on show. The rim of the coin is gilded, as is the bull’s head, the denomination, and a pair of Maltese Crosses. The remainder is dark ruthenium plated, creating a striking, elegant contrast, which also extends to the obverse. Just 500 of these will be struck. The presentation of this variant is outstanding, and these solid, windowed wooden stands make perfect displays. We have the earlier Bee version here, and it’s first class on a shelf. I really must get some images up, now I’ve finally made some space to take them

Germania Mint’s collaboration with the Bank of Malta has resulted in some great issues over the last five years, and on this evidence, it doesn’t look like that will change anytime soon. Available to order now.