(1557-1568) A magnificent depiction and undoubtedly one of the finest of the type, the portrayal of John the Baptist and his severed head on a platter is expressed with gratifying detail•
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Valette was a French nobleman and 49th Grand Master of the Order of Malta (who were secretly also the Knights Hospitaller), from 21 August 1557 to his death in 1568. As a Knight Hospitaller, joining the order in the Langue de Provence, he fought with distinction against the Turks at Rhodes. As Grand Master, Valette became the Order's hero and most illustrious leader, commanding the resistance against the Ottomans at the Great Siege of Malta in 1565, sometimes regarded as one of the greatest sieges of all time.
The significance of the coin at hand is used to remember the name sake of the order itself. The first hospital was next to the church of St. John The Baptist and the order took their name from this. •
The story of King Herod and Salome and the beheading of John the Baptist is told in two Gospels although she is not mentioned by name. However, she is named by Josephus in his Jewish Antiquities (Book XVIII, Chapter 5), which confirms we are talking about the correct Salome. Her story is told numerous times in art, film, and on the stage. Her image in the Christian tradition is one of a very young seductress, while a few portray her as an innocent pawn in a foolish promise that led to the death of John the Baptist. John’s head on a platter is also featured on this ancient coin from the country of Malta. 
John the Baptist had significant meaning to the Knights both publicly and during their secret rituals. The Head of John the Baptist on a platter is symbolic to the order as expressed on this coin. Very Rare and special to find this nice. •
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