The theme of this coin is ‘Independence – 1964’. The reverse side of the coin shows the €2 denomination which is common on all the coins issued in this series. The coin obverse, which shows a national symbol, depicts a detail of the Independence monument at Floriana. It was designed by the Maltese artist Ġanni Bonnici. The coins were minted by the Royal Dutch Mint.

Following a formal request for Malta’s independence by the Maltese Prime Minister, Dr George Borg Olivier on 20 August 1962, the Maltese and British governments commenced discussions on an independence constitution. After long and difficult negotiations, throughout 1963 a draft independence constitution was prepared and was approved by the UK Parliament on 23 July 1964. The date for Independence was set for 21 September 1964 when Malta formally became an independent sovereign state.