Silver coin celebrates 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth

On 12 November, the Central Bank of Malta issued a silver coin to mark the 250th anniversary of the birth of German composer Ludwig van Beethoven.

Beethoven was born in Bonn, probably on 16 December 1770. He is considered to be one of the greatest composers of all time. His music marks the culmination of the 18th century classical style and the start of a new phase – Romanticism. His life and music influenced many 19th century composers like Schubert, Mendelssohn, Liszt, Berlioz, Bruckner, Brahms and Wagner. Beethoven’s musical legacy comprises some 240 works, including nine symphonies, an opera and various piano concertos and string quartets.

The coin, struck at the Royal Dutch Mint, shows the emblem of Malta and the year of issue, 2020, on the obverse. On the reverse, the coin carries a representation of Beethoven based on the iconic portrait created in 1820 by Joseph Karl Stieler.

The coin has a face value of €10. It is struck in proof quality in 0.925 silver, has a weight of 28.28 grams and a diameter of 38.61 mm. It was designed and engraved by Noel Galea Bason and the mintage is limited to 1,500 pieces. Coins may be purchased from the Malta Coin Centre counter at the main building of the Central Bank of Malta, Castille Place, Valletta from 8.30am to 12.30pm or online from the MCC e-shop on

www.maltacoincentre.com. The price of each coin is €65 inclusive of VAT.

For further information the public is kindly requested to contact the Malta Coin Centre via email on mcc@centralbankmalta.org or by calling on (+356) 2550 6006/7/8.