Gold Tenth-Ounce 2022 Stanisław Lem - Solaris, Coin from Malta - detailed information

The obverse of the coin depicts the Coat of Arms of the Central Bank of Malta. At centre, a shield divided in three parts; in the top part, a horizontal key as a symbol of economic progress and security; the lower parts have "heraldic hatching" indicating a white background on the left, and a red background on the right - the colours of the flag of Malta; in the left part, the George Cross, awarded to Malta for bravery in April 1942 by King George VI. Above the shield, a crest surrounded by laurel and palm branches, symbols of honour and peace respectively, supporting a mural crown on top - symbolic of Malta's historic role as a fortress.

On the sides, the shield is supported by two armoured and helmeted Knights of Malta holding large swords, representing confidence and strength, the two virtues incorporated in the Bank's motto. These symbolise some of the greatest pages in Malta's long military history, which, for more than two-and-a-half centuries, was ruled by the Order of the Knights of St John of Jerusalem. The plumed helmet of a knight which surmounts the shield also has a special connection to Malta as it was modelled on one found on a monument in the 16th century Co-Cathedral of St John in Valletta, built by the Knights.

On a ribbon below, the motto in Latin: FIDUCIA FORTIS ("In Confidence Strength"), and the date the bank was founded, 1968.

The background is styled like a representation of a crystal lattice.

Around the rim, the name of the country: MALTA, the face value 10 EURO, the date of issue 2022, and the metal content: 1/10 OZ AU 9999 (one tenth of a troy ounce of 99.99% gold).

On a textured background, the reverse design depicts the main character of novel, psychologist Kris Kelvin, interacting with the sentient ocean of the planet Solaris.

Around above, the inscription STANISŁAW LEM.

Around below, SOLARIS.

Finish: proof.
Packaging: in presentation box, with a numbered Certificate of Authenticity from the Mint of Gdansk.
Release date: March 2023.

The series is produced by the Mint of Gdansk, with the actual striking of the coins being outsourced. The first silver coins in the series have the mint mark of the Mint of Poland; these coins do not, and while they were probably struck by the Mint of Poland too, we have put the Mint of Gdansk as issuer, for lack of authoritative information.