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The Central Bank of Malta has issued a silver coin with a face value of 10 euros to celebrate the 450th anniversary of the founding of the Sacra Infermeria, one of Valletta's most iconic buildings and a symbol of the humanitarian spirit of the Knights of the Order of St. John. This piece, minted in proof quality by the Royal Netherlands Mint, stands out for its artistic, historical, and technical value. Furthermore, its design was commissioned by renowned Maltese sculptor Noel Galea Bason.
The Sacred Infirmary of Valletta
Founded in 1574 by the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, also known as the Order of Malta, the Sacra Infermeria was conceived as a reference hospital in the newly founded city of Valletta, the capital of Malta. Its creation was part of Grand Master Jean de la Cassière's vision to provide the city with key institutions for the well-being and defense of the territory following the Great Siege of 1565.
The Sacra Infermeria was no ordinary hospital. During the 17th and 18th centuries, it became one of the most advanced medical centers in Europe. Its large main hall, over 150 meters long, could accommodate between 500 and 563 patients under normal conditions, reaching over 900 in times of emergency. The healthcare provided was noted for its hygiene, professionalism, and organization, with measures such as the use of single beds, frequent changes of linens, and silver utensils. Patients were treated regardless of their social status, nationality, or religion, in keeping with the ideal of Christian charity that guided the Order.
In addition to providing medical treatment, the hospital became an important training center for surgeons and physicians. In 1676, a school of anatomy and surgery was established there, considered the precursor to the current Faculty of Medicine at the University of Malta. It also housed one of the most modern pharmacies of its time, equipped with a laboratory, specialized instruments, and a dissecting room.
After centuries of service, the Sacra Infermeria ceased to function as a hospital in 1918. The building subsequently served various purposes—military barracks, police headquarters, and children's theater—until it was restored and transformed into the current Mediterranean Conference Center. Today, this cultural space hosts events and exhibitions, preserving the memory of its prestigious hospital past.
The reverse of the coin features a symbolic scene in the center, in which a Grand Master of the Order of Saint John—identifiable by his mantle with the octagonal cross—is shown personally assisting a sick person, representing the spirit of service that permeated the mission of the Sacra Infermeria. The composition is sober and solemn, with detailed lines and a high degree of relief that allows us to appreciate the expressiveness of the faces and the quality of the modeling.
The scene is framed by the inscriptions “450TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SACRA INFERMERIA 1574 – 2024” (450 ANIVERSARIO DE LA SACRA INFERMERIA 1574 – 2024) “VALLETA MALTA”, the face value of the coin “€10”, and below, the artist’s name mark “NGB” (Noel Galea Bason).
The obverse of the coin features the national coat of arms of Malta, with its characteristic design consisting of a mural crown, laurel and olive branches, and the Maltese flag in the center. Surrounded by the inscription of the issuing country "MALTA" and the year of issue "2025."
Technical characteristics
Year: 2025
Metal: 925 silver
Weight: 28.28 g
Diameter: 38.61 mm
Country: Malta
Face value: 10€
Quality: Proof
Issue volume: 450
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