News • November 30 2003

Coin launch commemorates malta’s EU accession

Malta’s accession to the EU is now only a few months away. The unique event, which will be looked upon with great pride by our future generations deserves to be marked by a suitable souvenir, a commemorative art medal.
This is not the kind of medal found on the chest of heroes or in athletes’ lockers. This is a contemporary expression of a much older tradition of medals as a work of art, in this case a symbolic relief by sculptor Joseph Casha. Next year Joseph celebrates 40 years of an intensive artistic career as a sculptor and art teacher becoming part of Malta’s art history. For this reason he created an art medal to coincide with this event in a very limited edition of 40, relative to the number of years he has been active in his profession, after which the original plaster model will be defaced and permanently retired.
One of the best ways to commemorate any event is surely through the issuing of an art medal. Collectors who purchase art medals prefer the fewest pieces possible hoping that the entire edition sells out quickly. The sooner you order, the lower your serial number will be, making your medal more valuable. By obtaining such a medal one is enhanced by the thrill of owning and displaying an original work of art in metal becoming the primary owner and there’s a certain cachet to that. Art medals are more desirable because of the lower quantity made, the greater care and steps in the manufacture [each individually cast in bronze by the lost wax process], the more artistic quality of their design and perhaps a growing appreciation and rarity with age.
Particulars of ORBIT, the nickname given to the art medal :
Metal - cast bronze
Size - 105 mm. diameter
Edition - 40, each of which will be signed and serially numbered
Presentation mounted on wooden plaque and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity
Cost Lm 35 pre-production subscription.
This offer is valid till 1 January, 2004. The price after this date will be Lm42.
The launching of this medal is taking place on Thursday 4 December [from 10.00 o’clock onwards] during the opening of an art exhibition by Artistic Talents from Attard to coincide with the official opening of Pope John Paul II Parish Centre, Attard. Both the exhibition and the medal will be on show till Friday 12 December. Those interested may subscribe for the medal during these days or thereafter by contacting:
Orbit Art Medal
[attn. the secretary]
Parish Centre, Attard.
All correspondence will be treated confidentially and subscribers will be notified about their serial number on a first come first served basis.