Litas: The Vytis Symbol and the Columns of Gediminas

Illustrated Specimen Details: 2 Litas of Lithuania

Example Specimen: 2 Litas, 1925 (Republic of Lithuania)

Authority & Design: This silver historical coin was issued by the Republic of Lithuania. Starting with the reverse, the central field features the denomination prominently displayed as "2" alongside the text "DU LITU" (two litas), elegantly framed by a stylized plant ornament resembling a wreath. Transitioning to the obverse, the design highlights the official coat of arms of Lithuania, known as the Vytis, depicting a mounted armoured knight holding a sword and shield. Below the knight, the historic Columns of Gediminas (Pillars of Gediminas) are prominently featured, which are among the earliest national symbols of Lithuania and its historical coats of arms. Today, they appear in the emblem of the Seimas and various branches of the Lithuanian Armed Forces. The outer legend reads the state title "LIETUVOS RESPUBLIKA". This particular silver series was proudly minted at the Royal Mint in the United Kingdom.

1. REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA (1925-1938 and 1991-2014): litas = 100 centas fractional coins

The linguistic origins of the litas: The name of the coin and currency, litas (with plural forms litu, litai, and litų), derives directly from the name of the issuing country, Lithuania (Lietuva). This naming convention is a standard historical practice, identical to the naming of other national currencies such as the Latvian lats, the Afghan afghani, the Bolivian boliviano, the Sierra Leonean leone, the Somalian somalo, and the Zairean zaïre.

History and Economic Role of the Litas

The litas served as the official currency of the Republic of Lithuania during two distinct historical periods of statehood: initially from 1922-1940, and subsequently from 1993-2014. The original introduction of the litas in 1922 permanently replaced the German-issued ostmark, cementing its status as a vital symbol of Lithuania's economic sovereignty following the First World War.

The First Litas (1922-1940)

The first physical litas in the form of coins were struck in 1925 at the Royal Mint in London, featuring silver denominations of 1, 2, and 5 litas. A decade later, in 1936, the state released 5 and 10 litas coins boasting a completely new design, followed by an exclusive commemorative 10 litas coin minted locally at the Kaunas Mint in 1938. This independent monetary era abruptly concluded in 1940 when Lithuania was occupied by the Soviet Union, resulting in the forced circulation of the Soviet ruble.

The Second Litas (1993-2014) and the Euro Transition

Following the successful restoration of Lithuanian independence and the official departure from the USSR, the government initially replaced the Soviet ruble currency with temporary transitional coupons known as the Lithuanian talonas. By 1993, the circulation of the national currency was fully resumed, officially reintroducing the litas (though the earliest coins of this modern series bore the date 1991). The litas established itself as one of the most stable currencies in Eastern Europe until January 1, 2015, when Lithuania officially adopted the euro, marking the definitive and final end of the litas in modern monetary circulation.