State of Malta, 1964
On 21 September 1964, a coat of arms was adopted at independence: two dolphins support a shield, a heraldic representation of the national flag, framed by a palm- and an olive branch, representing victory and peace. A mural crown, representing Malta’s fortifications, surmounts a helmet with red and white ribbons. Blue waves represent the Mediterranean Sea, and the Maltese eight-pointed Cross represents the connection with the Order of St. John as well as courage and determination. The Latin motto on the ribbon, “Virtute et Constantia”, may be translated as “Valour and Firmness”.