MALTA. Order of Malta. 15 Tari, 1798. Valletta Mint. Ferdinand Hompesch. PCGS EF-45.

KM-344. A decently struck and wholesome coin, with problem-free surfaces and even, medium gray toning throughout. The Knights of Malta, who had held the island since 1530, were in steep decline by the late 1700's and were powerless to stop Napoleon from invading and setting up a base of operations for military adventures in the Mediterranean. Hompesch would soon be, or already had, sailed off into exile by the time this coin was struck.