(sold for $247.0)

2008, Malta. Proof Gold 50 Euro "Auberge de Castille". Low mintage! PCGS PF-67!

Mint year: 2008
Mintage: 3,000 pcs.
References: KM-137.
Denomination: 50 Euro
Condition: Certified and graded by PCGS as PR-67 DCAM!
Material: Gold (.916)
Diameter: 21mm
Weight: 6.5gm

Auberge de Castille (Maltese: Berġa ta' Kastilja) is one of the seven original auberges built in Valletta, Malta for the langues of the Order of Saint John. The Auberge originally housed the langue of Castile, León and Portugal. The building is currently the office of the Prime Minister of Malta.

The building is located in Castille Square, close to Saint James Cavalier, the Malta Stock Exchange and the Upper Barrakka Gardens. The Auberge is situated at the highest point of Valletta and overlooks Floriana and the harbour area.

Auberge de Castille was originally built between 1571 and 1574 to house the Langue of Castile, León and Portugal, one of the most powerful langues of the Order. The building was designed by the Maltese architect Girolamo Cassar, and it was regarded as the most innovative of his Auberge designs.

The Auberge was completely rebuilt from 1741 to 1745, during the grandmastership of Manuel Pinto da Fonseca to a Baroque design by another Maltese architect, Andrea Belli. The coats of arms of Castile and León and of Portugal, along with Pinto's personal coat of arms were sculpted on the facade of the building at this point. A bust of Pinto was also added.