702) Baptism of Christ: "Europa Coin Programme" or the "Eurostar Programme": "Baroque and Rococo periods": (Theme of 2018 issues): Guiseppe Mazzuoli's famed statue depicted on Central Bank of Malta Gold & Silver coins issued on 14.03.2018:

702) Baptism of Christ: "Europa Coin Programme" or the "Eurostar Programme": "Baroque and Rococo periods" (Theme of 2018 issues): Guiseppe Mazzuoli's famed statue depicted on Central Bank of Malta Gold & Silver coins issued on 14.03.2018: 

For posts on coins issued under the Eurostar Coin Programme, please visit the following links:

1) Europa Coin Programme: A series of six coins issued by the Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint) with the theme "The Age of Iron & Glass" in January 2017

2) The Golden Age of Finnish Art: A 10 Euro Silver Coin issued by the Mit of Finland with the theme "The Age of Iron And Glass" on 20.02.2017

3) Baptism of Christ: 50 Euro Gold and 10 Euro Silver Coins issued by the Central Bank of Malta on the theme "Baroque and Rococo Art" on 14.03.2018

Other Central Bank of Malta issues:

4) Central Bank of Malta celebrates its 50th Anniversary (Golden Jubilee) milestone: A new 10 Euro Silver Crown Coin and a Gold Proof 100 Euro coin issued on 17.04.2018

The Central Bank of Malta has issued on 14.03.2018,  collector coins which are part of the Europa Series focussing on various eras of Art and architecture featured on the seven circulating denominations of the Euro currency Banknotes. The theme of the coins issued under the Eurostar" programme during 2018 is on "Baroque and Rococo periods".

The above image is that of the Reverse of the 10 Euro Silver Coin issued by the Central Bank of Malta under the Euro Coin Programme - 2018 , which depicts Guiseppe Mazzuoli's famed statue titled " The Baptism of Christ". This coin has also been issued in gold.

The Europa Coin Programme:

The Europa Coin Programme is an initiative dedicated to issuing collector coins in precious metals which celebrate European identity.

Coins issued under this series are issued by the European Union's Eurozone member States and the issuing authorities of European Union member countries voluntarily contribute coins to the Europa Coin Programme.

The Europa Star Series highlights European achievements, anniversaries and common history or cultural ties.

Several countries have taken part in this programme, since its inception in 2004.

Some coins are denominated in Euros, while others are denominated in other currencies. These coins are all legal tender.

The Eurostar logo:

                                           The Eurostar logo

The Eurostar logo is the special mark used on these coins which signify that they have been issued under the "Euro Coin Programme". The design of the logo is a stylised combination of an "E" (often used to symbolise a member nation, for example on the EU Flag).

It is a requirement that the coins must show the Eurostar distinctly and visibly to the naked eye, but not be integral to the coin's design.

Other standard features for coins issued under the programme:

a) The coins must be at least .900 fine silver or gold        and be of Proof quality

b) The coins should be approx. "crown sized" which

    allows for national traditions and customs

c) The coins must show the Eurostar logo distinctly

 The themes over the past years for the Eurostar Programme coin issues:

2004 - EU Enlargement

2005 - Peace and Freedom

2006 - Distinguished European figures

2007 - European Realisation

2008 - Cultural Heritage

2009 - European Heritage

2010 - European Architecture

2011 - European Explorers

2012 - European Visual Arts

2013 - European Writers

2014 - European Composers

2015 - Anniversary of the UNO

2016 - The Ages of Europe

2017 - The Age of Iron and Glass

2018 - Baroque and Rococo Periods

The Coins issued by the Central Bank of Malta under this programme in 2018:

Guiseppe Mazzuoli (1644-1725) was an Italian sculptor whose style of works was predominantly in the Bernini-derived Baroque style. He produced many highly accomplished sculptures which were considered monumental in scale. His work caught the eye of those heading the Order of Malta when he was commissioned to sculpt a statue for the main altar of St. John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta, which may have been influenced by the undocumented and abandoned designs from 1666 of Melchiorre Cafa (1636-1667), a Maltese Baroque sculptor.

In the same church, Mazzuoli produced in his later years  the allegorical figures for the tomb of Ramon Perellos y Roccaful (1637 - 1720), who was the Grand Master of the Order of Malta.

About the Baptism of Christ:

The Baptism of Christ by John the Baptist is described in the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke. The Baptism of Christ is one of the five major milestones in the gospel narrative of the life of Jesus, the others being - Transfiguration, Crucifixion, Resurrection and Ascension.

                         The Reverse of the Silver 10 Euro Coin 

The Reverse of the Silver 10 Euro Coin depicts "The Baptism of Christ", a monumental white marble sculpture executed in Rome by Guiseppe Mazzuoli and installed in the apse of St. John's Co-Cathedral in 1703.

                         The Obverse of the Silver 10 Euro Coin

The Obverse of the Silver 10 Euro Coin shows the Coat of Arms of Malta. On the upper periphery is inscribed " BAROQUE AND ROCOCO".

In the centre above the Maltese Coat of Arms is inscribed the issuing country name " REPUBLIKA TA MALTA".

On the lower periphery is the Series standard "Europa Star" design which features on all coins issued under the Eurostar Coin Programme. 

The specifications of this coin are:

Denomination: 10 Euros; Metal Composition: .925 Silver; Weight: 28.0 grams; Diameter: 38.6 mm; Coin Quality: Proof; Maximum Mintage: 2,500 pieces; Minted by: Royal Dutch Mint on behalf of the Central Bank of Malta;  Designer: Noel Galea Bason

                           The Reverse of the 50 Euro Gold Coin

The Reverse of the Gold 50 Euro Coin depicts "The Baptism of Christ", a monumental white marble sculpture executed in Rome by Guiseppe Mazzuoli and installed in the apse of St, John's Co-Cathedral in 1703.

                           The Obverse of the 50 Euro Gold Coin

The Obverse of the Gold 50 Euro Coin shows the Coat of Arms of Malta.

On the upper periphery is inscribed "BAROQUE AND ROCOCO".

In the centre, above the Maltese Coat of Arms is inscribed the issuing country's name "REPUBLIKA TA MALTA".

On the lower periphery is the Series standard "Europa Star" design which features on all coins issued under the Eurostar Coin Programme.

The specifications  of this coin are:

Denomination:50 Euro; Metal Composition: .916 Gold (Au);Weight: 6.50 grams; Diameter/Size: 21.0 mm; Coin Quality: Proof; Maximum Mintage: 500 pieces; Minted By: Royal Dutch Mint on behalf of the Central Bank of Malta; Designer: Noel Galea Bason.

General Remarks: Each of the coins, both Silver and Gold is encapsulated and presented in a custom case and accompanied by a Certificate of authenticity (COA).