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The Malta 30 Tari 1757 KM#A256 is a notable coin from the 18th century, issued during a period when the island of Malta was under the rule of the Order of St. John. Known for its historical significance and artistic design, this coin stands as a testament to the importance of Malta in Mediterranean trade and politics during the time of the Knights Hospitaller. The 30 Tari denomination was a substantial amount of money during the era, often used in larger transactions or as a store of wealth. The coin was struck in silver, reflecting its value and the island's ongoing connection to European markets. The 1757 issue is particularly important as it was minted during the time when the Order of St. John was facing various political challenges, both internal and external, yet still managed to maintain its power and influence over Malta.
Malta’s history in the 18th century was shaped by the dominance of the Knights of St. John, who had ruled over the island since 1530. The Knights were a military-religious order that had established Malta as their base of operations following the Great Siege of 1565. Under their rule, Malta became a center of naval power and trade in the Mediterranean. By the 1750s, the Knights were facing increasing pressure from European powers and their own internal struggles, but they continued to issue coinage to reflect their authority and economic stability. The 30 Tari coin, minted in 1757, reflects both the Order's continued influence and the complex financial systems of the time. Coins such as this one were used in daily transactions and represented both the power and the challenges faced by the Knights of St. John in a period of change.
The design of the Malta 30 Tari 1757 coin is an excellent example of Baroque-style coinage. On the obverse, the coin features the image of the reigning Grand Master of the Order of St. John, Emmanuel de Rohan-Polduc. His portrait is depicted in profile, a common motif in European coinage of the period, showcasing the regal nature of the knights’ rule. The Grand Master is shown wearing his full regalia, which is detailed and finely etched to reflect the importance of the office he held. Surrounding his portrait is a legend in Latin, often reading “EMANVEL DE ROHAN MAGNVS MAGISTER,” which identifies him as the Grand Master and reinforces the authority of the Order of St. John. The use of Latin was typical of the time, as it was the lingua franca of the Catholic Church and European nobility. The reverse side of the coin features a cross, another symbol of the Knights of St. John, along with the denomination "30 TARI." The design is simple but powerful, underscoring the religious and military identity of the Knights and their connection to Malta’s history.
The Malta 30 Tari 1757 coin is composed of silver, which was the standard for many of the higher denomination coins struck by the Knights of St. John. Silver was a valuable and widely accepted form of currency, prized not only for its purchasing power but also for its role in international trade. The coin has a weight of approximately 10.8 grams and a diameter of around 29mm, making it a substantial and valuable piece of currency for the time. The 30 Tari coin was used in both local transactions and in trade between Malta and other Mediterranean regions, further demonstrating the island's strategic role in European commerce. The use of silver also reflected the status of the Knights, as they were able to mint coins with a high metal content, signaling their economic power and influence.
The minting of the 30 Tari coin took place at the Mint of the Order of St. John in Valletta, the capital city of Malta. The Mint played a central role in the production of coinage for the Knights, and the coins it struck were used throughout the island and in the wider Mediterranean. The coins produced at the Mint were renowned for their quality and craftsmanship, and the Mint itself was an essential part of Malta’s economy and political power. The production of silver coins, including the 30 Tari, was a significant undertaking, and the coins were often minted in limited quantities to ensure their value was maintained. As a result, coins like the 1757 30 Tari are considered relatively rare and valuable, particularly in well-preserved condition.
The mintage figures for the Malta 30 Tari 1757 are not easily available, but it is understood that the coin was struck in relatively limited quantities compared to other denominations. The scarcity of the 30 Tari makes it a highly sought-after piece among collectors of ancient and medieval coinage, particularly those with an interest in the history of the Knights of St. John and Malta. Coins with such limited mintage are often more valuable due to their rarity, and the 30 Tari is no exception. The coin serves as a key piece in the numismatic history of Malta, and it provides valuable insight into the economic practices of the time and the authority of the Knights of St. John over their territories.
The condition of the Malta 30 Tari 1757 is an important factor in determining its value among collectors. Coins from this era are often found in various states of preservation, ranging from heavily worn examples to coins that have been carefully preserved in near mint condition. The coin’s design and the quality of its silver content play a significant role in how well it has survived the passage of time. The 1757 30 Tari in AU (About Uncirculated) condition would show minimal signs of wear, with the details of the design remaining crisp and well-defined. The high silver content of the coin also contributes to its durability, ensuring that even coins in less-than-perfect condition can retain some of their original beauty and historical value. Coins with minimal wear and clear details are considered more valuable, as they provide a better reflection of the original minting process.
The Malta 30 Tari 1757 KM#A256 is a significant piece in the numismatic world, not only because of its rarity but also because of its connection to the history of the Knights of St. John and their control over Malta. The coin reflects the grandeur and religious devotion of the Order, with its carefully crafted design and the depiction of the Grand Master on the obverse. The reverse design, featuring the cross and the denomination, further reinforces the Knights’ military and religious influence. The coin's status as a silver piece of currency from a historical time of political upheaval makes it a valuable collector's item, sought after by those with an interest in ancient coins and the history of the Mediterranean.
In conclusion, the Malta 30 Tari 1757 KM#A256 is a remarkable coin that holds significant historical, cultural, and numismatic value. The coin's design, featuring the image of Grand Master Emmanuel de Rohan-Polduc and the symbolic cross, reflects the power and prestige of the Knights of St. John. Struck in silver and minted at the Mint of the Order of St. John in Valletta, the coin highlights Malta’s role in European trade and politics. With its limited mintage and rarity, the 30 Tari coin continues to be a prized possession for collectors and an important piece of numismatic history. Whether admired for its design, its precious metal content, or its historical significance, the Malta 30 Tari remains a valuable and enduring symbol of Malta's past.