Frank Passic

Lithuania Redesigns its Circulating Coinage

Frank Passic is an active numismatic serving numismatic societies and the Balzekas Museum. He is also the editor of The Lithuanian Numismatic Association’s publication The Knight since 1978.

Lithuanians have seen the introduction of more "user-friendly" small change during the past two years. The original 1991-dated coins used for ordinary commerce transactions had proved to be confusing both in size and in value, and had proved to be unpopular in recent years.

The Bank of Lithuania issued new one, two, and five Litai coins into circulation, designed to replace the paper banknotes of the same denominations that had been used since 1993 on Monday December 22, 1998. When the Litas was originally reestablished in June 1993, one, two, and five Litai coins were issued. They were confused, however, with the 1991-dated aluminum 1, 2, and 5 ‘Centai’ coins that were also circulating, and so they were withdrawn. Paper 1, 2, and 5 Litai banknotes were issued in 1993 and 1994 instead.

New 1, 2, and 5 Litai coins now circulating in Lithuania.

The new 1 Litas coin is made of cupro-nickel, and is 22.3 mm. in diameter. The 2 Litai is 25 mm. in diameter and is bimetallic with a brass outer ring and a copper-nickel core. The 5 Litai measures 27.5 mm. in diameter. It has a brass center with a cupro-nickel outer ring. This is the first time that Lithuania has issued bimetallic coinage, and it has attracted the fancy of bimetallic collectors from around the world.

The 1, 2, and 5 Litai paper banknotes had accounted for forty percent of all banknotes in circulation, and had a short life span compared to the coins. The new coins will last much longer and save the Bank of Lithuania money in the long run. The banknotes will be gradually replaced by the coins as the remaining notes wear out.

The new coins were designed by sculptors Arvydas Kadailis and Antanas Zukauskas, and were produced at the Mint of Lithuania in Vilnius. All bear the contemporary national emblem, Vytis. One Lithuanian Litas has a value of U.S. 25 cents.

In 1997 the Mint also produced new 10, 20, and 50 Centai coins. These brass coins measure 17, 20.5, and 23 mm. in diameter, respectively. These yellow-colored coins are about 2 mm. thick and replaced thinner and smaller copper 1991-dated coins of the same denominations. The 1, 2, and 5 Centai coins were dropped from circulation earlier due to their small values.

This 1 Litas banknote dated 1994 featuring legendary writer Zemaite is one of three denominations being replaced by the new coins.

The new coins are available in the United States from this author, Frank Passic, 900 S. Eaton St., Albion, MI 49224. Write for a free price list. Anyone interested in the hobby of Lithuanian numismatics (coins, banknotes, medals, tokens, military medals and decorations, etc.) is invited to join the Lithuanian Numismatic Association, P.O. Box 22696, Baltimore, MD 21203. Membership is $15 per year, and members receive its publication The Knight which is filled with interesting information about Lithuanian money and history.

Photos: Frank Passic