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Commemorative coin of the Republic of Lithuania, 2 euros, issued in 2022 in a circulation of 500,000 copies. Dedicated to the 100th anniversary of basketball in Lithuania. Minted at the Lithuanian Mint in Vilnius. Bimetallic, diameter 25.75 mm, weight 8.5 g.
Obverse
The center of the coin depicts a stylized basketball with silhouettes of two players - one in a jump, making a shot at the basket, the other in a classic game position. The dynamic composition conveys the spirit of the sport. At the bottom is the inscription "KREPŠINIS" (Basketball) and the years "1922-2022". Also - "LIETUVA", the Lithuanian Mint mark "LMK". On the outer ring are the 12 five-pointed stars of the European Union.
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
Basketball is the national sport of Lithuania, often called the "second religion" of the country. The first Lithuanian basketball game was held in 1922 in Kaunas. The Lithuanian Basketball Association (LKF) was founded in 1925. The golden era of Lithuanian basketball was the 1930s: the Lithuanian national team became the European champion in 1937 (in Riga) and 1939 (in Kaunas at its own championship). During the Soviet period (1940–1990), Lithuanian basketball players formed the basis of the USSR national team, which won Olympic gold medals in 1972 and 1988. After Lithuania regained its independence in 1990, the Lithuanian national team won bronze at the 1992 (Barcelona), 1996 (Atlanta) and 2000 (Sydney) Olympic Games, and was the European champion in 2003. Famous players: Arvydas Sabonis, Šarunas Marčulienis, Žydrunas Ilgauskas, Domantas Sabonis, Jonas Valančiunas. The basketball club "Žalgiris" (Kaunas) is a multiple European champion (Euroleague). On the 100th anniversary of basketball, Lithuania commemorated it with this coin.