Coat of arms of Malta

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The Coat of Arms of Malta is the emblem of the country of Malta.

[edit] Coat of Arms used between 1964 and 1975

Image:Seal1964.JPG This coat of arms shows two dolphins which support a shield with the colours of the Maltese flag, one with Palm branch and the other with an olive twig representing Victory and Peace respectively. Above is a crown shaped like a fort with eight octagonal turrets surmounts a helmet, with red and white ribbons. Below are blue waves representing the surrounding Mediterranean Sea, the Maltese eight-pointed Cross representing the connection with the Order of St. John, and the motto Virtute et Constantia (by Valour and Firmness) on a ribbon. Nowadays, this motto is used by the National Order of Merit.

[edit] Coat of Arms used between 1975 and 1988

Image:Maltaboat.gif

This coat of arms was adopted on the 11 July 1975, a year after Malta became a republic. It showed a coastal scene with the rising sun, a fishing boat, a shovel and a pitchfork. All of these symbols are somewhat connected to Malta. Underneath, the new name of the state: "Repubblika Ta' Malta" (Republic of Malta).

The coat of arms was changed a year after the Nationalist Government came into power in 1987. However, it can still be seen on a number of coins which are still in circulation.

[edit] Coat of Arms used since in 1988

Image:Coat of arms of Malta.png

The present coat of arms is described by the Emblem and Public Seal of Malta Act of 1988 as a shield showing an heraldic representation of the National Flag of Malta; above the shield a mural crown in gold with a sally port and eight turrets (although only five are visible) representing the fortifications of Malta and denoting a City State; and around the shield a wreath of two branches: the dexter of Olive, the sinister of Palm, symbols of peace and traditionally associated with Malta, all in their proper colours, tied at base with a white ribbon, backed red and upon which are written the words Repubblika ta' Malta in capital letters in black.