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MTL · MTL

Maltese lira (MTL)

The Maltese lira was the official currency of Malta before the euro. It is now obsolete and exchangeable only at the Central Bank of Malta.

1 USD— MTL

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MTL · Maltese lira

Maltese Lira (MTL) Overview

The Maltese lira (MTL) served as the national currency of Malta from 1972 until 2008, when the country adopted the euro. During its circulation, the lira was subdivided into 100 cents, and its symbol was Lm. The currency underwent several changes, including a decimalization in 1972, replacing the previous system of pounds, shillings, and pence.

Following Malta's entry into the European Union in 2004, the country began preparations for euro adoption. The lira was pegged to the euro at a fixed rate of 0.429300 MTL per EUR from May 2005, and on January 1, 2008, the euro replaced the lira as legal tender. The transition period allowed for dual circulation until the end of January 2008.

Today, the Maltese lira is no longer in use, and any remaining banknotes and coins can be exchanged for euros at the Central Bank of Malta, subject to their policies. For historical and numismatic purposes, the lira remains a point of interest, but it holds no current monetary value in everyday transactions.

Code
MTL
Symbol
MTL
Current rate
USD / MTL

Currency information

Last updated · 8/7/2026

The Maltese lira was introduced in 1972, replacing the Maltese pound.

Official name
Maltese lira
Legal tender status
Withdrawn
Decimal places
2
Minor unit
cent · 1 MTL = 100 cent
Countries
Malta
Issuing authority
Central Bank of Malta
Central bank
Central Bank of Malta · Official website
Exchange-rate regime
Fixed to the euro at a rate of 0.4293 MTL per EUR

Common banknotes

2 MTL · 5 MTL · 10 MTL · 20 MTL

Common coins

1 cent · 2 cents · 5 cents · 10 cents · 25 cents · 50 cents · 1 MTL

Also known as

Lira Maltija · Maltese lira · MTL · ₤

Practical notes

  • The Maltese lira was replaced by the euro on 1 January 2008.
  • The exchange rate was fixed at 0.4293 MTL per EUR.

Priority currency pairs

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Maltese lira questions

What is the MTL exchange rate?

The displayed rate is the latest available reference rate for USD/MTL. It can change throughout the day.

How can I convert MTL online?

Use the converter above to calculate indicative amounts between MTL and the other supported currencies.