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A 2 euro commemorative coin of the Republic of Lithuania, issued in 2017 in a circulation of 1,000,000 copies. Dedicated to Vilnius, the historical capital of Lithuania, the city of arts and science. Minted at the Lithuanian Mint. Bimetallic, diameter 25.75 mm, weight 8.5 g.
Obverse
The center of the coin depicts a picturesque panorama of the Old Town of Vilnius with its characteristic bell towers and spires of Baroque churches. The recognizable silhouettes of the churches of St. Anne, the Bernardine Monastery, Gediminas' Tower and other architectural gems are visible. At the top is "VILNIUS / MENŲ, MOKSLO IR KULTŪROS MIESTAS" (Vilnius - the city of arts, science and culture). At the bottom is "LIETUVA" and the year "2017". On the ring - 12 EU stars.
Reverse
The reverse is the common side of the 2 euro coins of the second type, designed by Luc Luix (Royal Belgian Mint). It depicts a map of Europe as a single continent without internal borders - a symbol of European unity. On the left - a large denomination "2" and the inscription "EURO", on the right - a map with six thin horizontal lines in the background. On the outer ring - 12 stars of the European Union. The band - with thin ribbing and the Lithuanian inscription "LAISVĖ ★ VIENYBĖ ★ GEROVĖ ★" (Freedom, Unity, Prosperity).
Historical context
Vilnius is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Lithuania, located in the southeast of the country at the confluence of the Vilnius and Neris rivers. It was first mentioned in written sources in 1323 in the letters of Grand Duke Gediminas, who invited foreign merchants and artisans to settle in the city. Since 1323, Vilnius has been the capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, one of the largest states in medieval Europe. After the Union of Lublin in 1569, Vilnius has been an important city of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Here in 1579, King Stefan Batory founded Vilnius University, one of the oldest in Central and Eastern Europe. The city has survived repeated destruction, but has preserved its unique architecture. The Old Town of Vilnius, with its outstanding ensemble of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Classicist architecture, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994.