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The Coat of Arms of Malta is the emblem of the country of Malta.

The present coat of arms is described by the Emblem and Public Seal of Malta Act of 1988 as a shield showing an heraldic representation of the National Flag of Malta; above the shield a mural crown in gold with a sally port and eight turrets (although only five are visible) representing the fortifications of Malta and denoting a City State; and around the shield a wreath of two branches: the dexter of Olive, the sinister of Palm, symbols of peace and traditionally associated with Malta, all in their proper colours, tied at base with a white ribbon, backed red and upon which are written the words Repubblika ta' Malta in capital letters in black.

Contents 1 Coat of Arms used between 1975 and 1988 2 Coat of Arms used between 1964 and 1975 3 See also 4 External links

This coat of arms was adopted on the 11 July 1975, a year after Malta became a republic. It showed a coastal scene with the rising sun, a boat of the Maltese dgħajsa type, a shovel and a pitchfork. All of these symbols are somewhat connected to Malta. Underneath, the new name of the state: "Repubblika Ta' Malta" (Republic of Malta).

The coat of arms was changed a year after the Nationalist Government came into power in 1987. However, it can still be seen on a number of coins which are still in circulation till end of 2007 when the Euro is planned to be adopted.

This coat of arms depicts two dolphins which support a blazon of the Maltese flag, one with palm branch and the other with an olive twig representing Victory and Peace respectively. Above is a crown shaped like a fort with eight octagonal turrets surmounts a helmet, with red and white ribbons. Below are blue waves representing the surrounding Mediterranean Sea, the Maltese eight-pointed Cross representing the connection with the Order of St. John, and the motto Virtute et Constantia (by Valour and Firmness) on a ribbon. Nowadays, this motto is used by the National Order of Merit.

• Flag of Malta
• History of Malta
• Culture of Malta
• Politics of Malta

• Maltese national symbols