Malta - Departure of Foreign Forces 1979

Malta, consisting ot two small islands in the Mediterranean sea, has a fascinating history. It's strategic location, near north Africa, has always meant it's been under the influence of Near Eastern and European cultures. Prehistory shows that original inhabitants probably came from Sicily but other waves of people inhabited Malta from Phoenicia and Rome. Malta finally gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1964 and in 1979 the Royal Navy pulled up anchor. This coin commemorates this departure. The modern obverse design evokes the flavor of a Salvador Dali painting, in my opinion. The proof coin saw 7,871 struck, the FM probably means Franklin Mint.