Artist Behind Maltese Lira & Euro Coins Noel Galea Bason Passes Away

Maltese artist Noel Galea Bason, who designed the 1986 Maltese Lira and 2007 Euro coins, has died aged 71, prompting widespread tributes from artists and residents in Floriana, where he lived and worked.

Galea Bason was a prominent figure in Maltese art and design. He graduated from Rome’s Scuola dell’Arte della Medaglia in 1978 and later worked at the Malta Mint within the Central Bank of Malta, becoming the first Maltese artist to design national coins. His work placed him at the centre of Malta’s visual identity for decades.

Beyond currency design, he created commemorative works presented to visiting dignitaries, including a gift given to Queen Elizabeth II by President Emeritus Ċensu Tabone in 1992.

His public artworks include the Dom Mintoff monument in Castille Square and a monumental relief of Pope John Paul II produced for the 1990 papal visit.

Tributes shared online described him as an artist whose work documented key moments in Malta’s political and cultural history.

Rest in peace Noel. Condolences to all loved ones.

#MaltaDaily