New national side of euro coins intended for circulation
(2019/C 351/10)
National side of the new commemorative 2-euro coin intended for circulation and issued by Lithuania
Euro coins intended for circulation have legal tender status throughout the euro area. For the purpose of informing the public and all parties who handle the coins, the Commission publishes a description of the designs of all new coins (1). In accordance with the Council conclusions of 10 February 2009 (2), euro-area Member States and countries that have concluded a monetary agreement with the European Union providing for the issuing of euro coins are allowed to issue commemorative euro coins intended for circulation, provided that certain conditions are met, particularly that only the 2-euro denomination is used. These coins have the same technical characteristics as other 2-euro coins, but their national face features a commemorative design that is highly symbolic in national or European terms.
Issuing country: Lithuania
Subject of commemoration: Samogitia (Lithuanian Etnographic Regions)
Description of the design: The design features a bear standing on its hind legs, with a chain collar on the neck. It has been depicted on the coat of arms of Samogitia since the 16th century. The bear is situated against a shield topped with a crown, which is held by an armoured soldier (a symbol of courage, sacrifice and patriotism) and a goddess with an anchor (a symbol of hope). Below is a Latin inscription ‘PATRIA UNA’ (one fatherland). The design is surrounded by the inscriptions ‘LIETUVA’ (Lithuania) and ‘ŽEMAITIJA’ (Samogitia), the year of issuance ‘2019’ and the mintmark of the Lithuanian Mint.
The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.
Estimated number of coins to be issued: 500 000
Date of issue: Third quarter of 2019
(1) See OJ C 373, 28.12.2001, p. 1 for the national faces of all the coins issued in 2002.
(2) See the conclusions of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council of 10 February 2009 and the Commission Recommendation of 19 December 2008 on common guidelines for the national sides and the issuance of euro coins intended for circulation (OJ L 9, 14.1.2009, p. 52).