Malta Issues Commemorative Silver Coin Honouring The Sacra Infermeria’s 450th Anniversary

Jun 3 2025 Share

The Central Bank of Malta, in collaboration with the Mediterranean Conference Centre (MCC), has launched a limited-edition silver commemorative coin to mark the 450th anniversary of the Sacra Infermeria, one of Malta’s most iconic and historically significant buildings.

The launch event, held at the MCC in Valletta, was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Dr Ian Borg, Acting Governor of the Central Bank of Malta Mr Alexander Demarco, MCC Chairman Dr Kenneth Spiteri, and MCC CEO Nigel Vella.

The Sacra Infermeria—now the Mediterranean Conference Centre—was originally constructed in 1574 under the guidance of Grand Master Jean de la Cassière, and completed in 1578. It gained a formidable reputation for its medical excellence, particularly its 155-meter-long Great Ward, offering care regardless of a patient’s wealth or status. Despite suffering damage during WWII, the building was restored and reopened in 1979 as the MCC.

The coin, minted by the Royal Dutch Mint, is crafted in 0.925 sterling silver, weighing 28.28 grams with a diameter of 38.61 mm.

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369 Fined For Smoking In Prohibited Areas Across Malta

Jun 3 2025 Share

A total of 369 individuals were caught smoking in prohibited areas across Malta in the past 2 years, according to information provided by Minister for Home Affairs, Security and Employment Byron Camilleri in response to a parliamentary question by Opposition MP Ivan Bartolo.

These contraventions were issued by the police to individuals smoking inside establishments or in designated smoke-free zones.

An additional 17 fines were handed out to individuals or business owners who allowed smoking on their premises.

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11 Athletes Tested Positive For Drugs In The Past 2 Years

11 Athletes Tested Positive For Drugs In The Past 2 Years
Jun 3 2025 Share

In a recent parliamentary session, Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, Clifton Grima, revealed that 11 athletes tested positive for banned substances over the past two years.

Minister Grima stated that 6 positive doping results were identified in 2024 out of 274 tests conducted, while 5 more cases have been detected so far in 2025 from 260 tests.

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Rare Jaguar XJ13 Replica Unveiled In Malta

Rare Jaguar XJ13 Replica Unveiled In Malta
Jun 3 2025 Share

Originally built in 1966, the Jaguar XJ13 is one of the most iconic and elusive cars in motoring history.

Intended as a Le Mans prototype, its racing career was cut short when Jaguar halted development before it ever hit the track.

Just one original XJ13 was produced, featuring a 5.0-litre V12 engine and a sleek aluminium body that was far ahead of its time aerodynamically.

The sole car crashed during a promotional shoot in 1971 but was later restored by Jaguar and now resides in the company’s heritage collection—never to be sold.

Its mystique has inspired a small number of faithful recreations, with only three known high-spec replicas in existence.

One was recently unveiled at the Valletta Concours, built with painstaking accuracy using original blueprints, custom parts, and a V12 engine.

This Valletta example is considered one of the finest ever made. Experts estimate its value between €900,000 and €1.5 million, depending on craftsmanship and historical fidelity.

Although the original XJ13 is priceless and unlikely to be sold, its replicas are highly coveted among collectors. The car stands not merely as a machine, but as a tribute to a chapter of Jaguar history that never reached the racetrack.

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