In a press briefing held today, the Governor of the Central Bank of Malta, Michael C. Bonello, explained the initiatives taken by the Bank with regard to the information campaign on euro banknotes and coins. The Governor also gave details of how and when the different Maltese euro coin kits and sets will be available for sale.
The Governor referred to the different types of visual materials that the Central Bank of Malta and the European Central Bank have jointly prepared over the past months for the benefit of particular sectors and the general public. In particular, he referred to the information leaflet and conversion cards, which are being mailed to every household in Malta and Gozo. Posters which have been distributed to schools, local councils, banks, day centres and Government departments, amongst others, were also presented. Other material includes an information leaflet which describes the euro banknotes and coins and their security features and a booklet that explains these characteristics to cash handlers. This has been distributed by NECC euro assistants to shop-keepers. Another booklet was specifically prepared for trainers and intended for use during training sessions on the security features of the euro currency notes. For the visually impaired, a talking card has been prepared to explain the main characteristics of the euro banknotes and coins. The Governor also announced that a series of TV advertisements will be aired soon in order to inform the public on how to recognise genuine euro currency notes and coins.
When referring to the Maltese euro coin sets and kits, the Governor stated that interest has already been shown both locally and from overseas. He explained that there are three types of product, each of which has a specific purpose:
• The retailer kit containing Maltese euro coins for a value of €131, which can be obtained from banks as from 1 December 2007 at the cost of Lm56.24. This kit will enable retailers to give change in euro coins on 1 January 2008.
• The mini kit intended for the public consisting of Maltese euro coins for a value of €11.65, which can be obtained from banks as from 10 December 2007 at the cost of Lm5. This kit will make it possible for the public to familiarise themselves with the shape and appearance of the new coins and also to have a small amount of euro coins in hand for use on 1 January 2008.
• The official set Maltese euro coins for collectors, which will be available for sale as from 1 December 2007 from the Central Bank of Malta at the price of Lm15.03 or €35.
Maltese euro coins are not legal tender before 1 January 2008 and it is illegal for Maltese euro coins to be used prior to this date in any transactions carried out in Malta or abroad.
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