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On 15 May 2025, the Central Bank of Malta, in collaboration with the Royal Dutch Mint, launched a limited‐edition commemorative set of three silver proof coins, spotlighting the island’s short-lived but historically rich railway system. Minted at the Royal Dutch Mint facilities in the Netherlands’ city of Houten, this exquisite release is capped at just 600 complete sets, making it a rare treasure for collectors.

The journey of Maltese railways began in 1870 with the first proposal, leading to the formation of the Malta Railway Company in June 1879. By 28 February 1883, the line officially opened, linking Valletta with Mdina—later extended to Mtarfa via an underground tunnel beneath Mdina, inaugurated on 9 June 1900. Local affection dubbed the service “il‑vapur tal‑art” (the “land ship”). Despite its early popularity, competition from motor buses in the 1920s triggered its decline, culminating in its final closure on 2 April 1931.

design of one of the three commemorative Malta Railway silver coins included in the limited-mintage proof set

Each of the set’s three €10 coins out of 99.9% pure silver weighs 31.10 g and measures 38.61 mm in diameter. All coins were produced in proof quality and are presented in display boxes with a certificate of authenticity.

Reverse Design of the commemorative Malta Railway silver coins:

• Features Malta’s national coat of arms, designed by Noel Galea Bason
• Inscriptions include “MALTA” (left), “2025” (right), and twelve stars symbolising the European Union

Obverse Design (individual locomotive designs):

• Each coin displays a distinct steam locomotive used between 1883–1931, designed by Miriam Mazzalli
• Encircled by the inscriptions “THE MALTA RAILWAY” and “IL-VAPUR TAL-ART”
• The denomination “10 EURO” appears above each train motif

This set of three silver coins not only pays homage to an engineering marvel of its time but also captures the spirit of Maltese modernization and historical resilience. The steam locomotives symbolise the island’s first serious attempt to revolutionize transport, offering a rare glimpse into an era overshadowed by the rise of road vehicles.

• Mintage: Limited to 600 sets, enhancing rarity and appeal
• Packaging: Encapsulated coins are showcased in a custom presentation case with illumination-worthy aesthetics and a signed certificate
• Artistic credentials: Obverse by Miriam Mazzalli, reverse by Noel Galea Bason—all minted at the renowned Royal Dutch Mint
• Scarcity: With only 600 sets, this release is far more limited than typical commemorative silver issues
• Historical achievement: Marks a first and only island-wide railway operation in Malta’s transport history, immortalised in stunning numismatic form
• Quality & Collaboration: A product of Central Bank of Malta’s vision, Royal Dutch Mint’s craftsmanship, and Maltese artistic design—an exemplar of international minting excellence
• Availability & Pricing: Offered exclusively as a full three-coin proof set on this page of the Malta Coin Centre’s e‑webshop