Most travelers go to Malta for the gorgeous weather or the history. Because of its strategic location in the Mediterranean, the island has been taken over by one group after another. History forms literal layers that you can see almost everywhere you look.
And among those layers are lots of coins.
If you’re interested in the history of money or the history of Malta, two coin exhibits will help explain it. The first is at the Central Bank of Malta, which has a small currency museum in the capital city of Valletta. Most of the coins on display were minted by the Maltese government, although not all were. The museum is free and open whenever the bank is (usually between 8:30 am and 1:00 pm); you’ll need to have the guard let you in. There’s also a window where you can buy new issues, if you are a coin collector.
Valletta’s other public coin collection is on display at the National Archeology Museum. Adult admission is €5.00, and the coins are up on the third floor at the end of the hallway. This collection has been loaned by local collectors and includes Maltese coins, coins found in Malta, and medals from the Knights of St. John and other local orders.
Another cool site, but one that is not open to the public, is the Malta Stock Exchange. The building is near the Central Bank, and if the doors are open, you can step in and see some dramatic interior architecture. They don’t do tours or have a visitor center, alas.
