The Sovereign Military Order of Malta holds a unique position in international law — a non-territorial sovereign entity recognized by over 100 states, issuing coins with no land to circulate them in. Its numismatic program, formalized in the 1960s and 1970s, produces legal tender denominated in Scudi and Grani, accepted in theory by a jurisdiction whose "territory" is limited to two properties in Rome enjoying extraterritorial status under Italian law.
Andrew Bertie, elected 78th Grand Master in 1988, was the first British-born holder of the office since the 16th century.
The Sovereign Military Order of Malta holds a unique position in international law — a non-territorial sovereign entity recognized by over 100 states, issuing coins with no land to circulate them in. Its numismatic program, formalized in the 1960s and 1970s, produces legal tender denominated in Scudi and Grani, accepted in theory by a jurisdiction whose "territory" is limited to two properties in Rome enjoying extraterritorial status under Italian law.
Andrew Bertie, elected 78th Grand Master in 1988, was the first British-born holder of the office since the 16th century.