Delicately positioned between Russia and Poland in northern Europe, Lithuania is a small country with a large history in the region. Although the people of the country lived under Fascist and Socialist rule for most of the twentieth century, they share a strong attachment to their history and culture, with their ideals reflected in the currency, including centas and litus, that the country produced during its brief stint of freedom before World War II. The Lithuanian 10 Litu coin from 1936 is a demonetized silver coin that weighs 18 grams, has a diameter of 32 mm, and measures 2.5 mm thick. The obverse side of this coin features the profile of Lithuanian hero Vytautas the Great facing left along with raised lettering that spells out VYTAUTAS DIDYSIS 10 DESIMTS LITU 10. On the reverse side, the coin has the emblem of the republic: a knight on horseback carrying a sword overhead and shield in his hand. This side also has lettering that spells LIETUVA 1936, noting the denomination and mint year. Along the smooth edge is the phrase TAUTOS JEGA VIENYBEJE, which translates to “Nation’s strength in unity” to honor the way ancient Lithuanians unified the region. Although several different tribes lived in the region along the Baltic Sea as far back as the final ice age, a group of people living near modern day Vilnius eventually unified them into a group called Lithuanians. During the Middle Ages, the area fell under the rule of Poland and eventually neighboring Russia, which suppressed Lithuanian language and culture, including the Catholic faith. After the fall of the Russian Empire during World War I, Lithuania briefly gained independence until Nazi Germany ceded the country in 1939, and they eventually landed under Soviet rule until 1990. With this new freedom in the 1920s and 1930s, Lithuanians went to great measures to celebrate their history and culture, and this coin is a remnant of that movement. Minted during the interwar period governed by Antanas Smetona and the Seimas, this coin carries important symbols of the Lithuanian people, especially the image of national hero Vytautus the Great. Vytautus became Grand Duke of Lithuania during the Middle Ages, in 1392. Under his guidance, the country reached the peak of its territorial expansion. At the time, it was the largest country in Europe, with borders that spanned from the shores of the Baltic Sea in the north to the Black Sea in the south. His influence upon the country was so great that parents still honor him by naming their boys after him. This beautiful 10 Litu coin can be an interesting addition to a collection of European coins from the interwar period, as its side edge inscription can give it a unique look not seen on many other types of coins formerly used. It can also be a great gift for individuals of Lithuanian heritage who want to have a symbol of their heritage and homeland. The coin can also fit in with collections related to interbellum Europe, the Baltic, and even Russia or the Soviet Union.
Product Key Features
Fineness
0.75
Composition
Silver
Year
1936
Additional Product Features
Reverse Description
Head Left
General Note
A Filled Die Variety with the Knight Riding a Mare Instead of a Stallion Exists, Cost about $200 Usd
Geo
Lithuania
Diameter
32
EDGE Lettering
Vienybeje Tautos Jega
Blockers
[Image_Blocked]
Catalog Number
Km# 83
Sub Geo
Not Available
Type
Standard Coinage
Country/Region of Manufacture
Lithuania
Obverse Description
National Arms
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