While much of Germania Mints output has their own invented denomination of a Mark, meant to give their Germania historical world a measure of cohesion, which it does do effectively, they also issue coins in conjunction with the Central Bank of Malta. This central Mediterranean island, with its strong links to the United Kingdom, has an incredibly rich history going back millennia, and as a result, has equally rich cultural traditions. This series of coins focuses on the animals that have become linked with Malta, with the first two coins featuring the native Bee and the Ox.

For 2026, we have something that dog lovers are going to really like, and that’s the Pharaoh Hound. This distinctive canine, also called the Kelb tal-Fenek, is the only dog breed that is internationally recognised as Maltese. Despite its name and visual similarity to Ancient Egyptian tomb paintings of dogs, it isn’t related, and is actually quite a new breed, only a couple of centuries old. In Malta, they are used for hunting rabbits, often hunting in pairs of one male and one female.

The coin was again designed by a regular Germania artist, Natalia Danysz, who has done a fine job with this natural looking portrait of the dog. There’s no silver on show here, unlike the one-ounce variant, with the rim and sunrays gilded on both faces. The Maltese Cross is also picked out on the reverse face, with the rest of the background ruthenium plated. The hound is struck with copious amounts of high-relief, and then beautifully coloured, complete with gilded teeth. Belongs to a rapper, perhaps… The obverse also has ruthenium areas to provide contrast, and the gilded band has a pattern unique to this release, in this case those same rays of light.

As with earlier coins of this type, Germania Mint has done the business with a superb wooden frame making display very easy. We really do love the effort they put into these. It’s open on both sides, so you can display either, and easily removable. We have a sample here, and the black is not as dark as in the renders, with a softer grey giving it a far classier look. I will be photographing it over the weekend, so look out for an AgAuShoot on Monday. A beautiful coin, and one sure to keep the aftermarket buying them and pushing prices up.

The more affordable one-ounce coin has a simpler, but more contrasty look with a proof finish. The burst of rays emanating from the Maltese Cross is now fully gilded, with the dog highlighted with dark ruthenium plating on the reverse face, and the central section of the obverse similarly enobled. It’s a colour combination that we think works really well.

The wooden box is more traditional in this case, with some nice etching on the lid, and an environmentally friendly lining. We’ve always admired Germania Mint’s focus on sustainability with their presentation, and the box looks good. We also have one here, and the black is less intense than these renders show, and looks all the better for it. Again, we should have our own photoshoot up after the weekend so you can see it in all its glory. This one is also available to order now.