A numismatic coinset of Republic of Lithuania circulation coins with a commemorative medal dedicated to the 10th anniversary of Lithuania’s accession to the European Union and NATO issued on 28th of March 2014.

In 2004, Lithuania along with Latvia and Estonia became a member of two organisations: on 29 March — the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), and on 1 May — the European Union (EU).

“Membership in these organisations, after regaining independence, was the most important strategic goal for Lithuania — broad political consensus formed behind it among the country’s policy makers and, in order to achieve it, the country’s political, diplomatic and analytical resources were mobilised Membership in the EU and NATO not only symbolised Lithuania’s ‘return’ to Europe and its establishment in the transatlantic community, but it also was supposed to be an important instrument in strengthening the country’s statehood and protecting it from external threats,” notes Prof. Dr. Ramūnas Vilpišauskas, who created the text for the new coin set.

The Bank of Lithuania previously issued eight numismatic coinsets: in 1991, 2000, 2003, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013. A commemorative sign first appeared in the 2010 coinset and was dedicated to the 20th anniversary of restoration of Lithuania's Independence. The commemorative sign of the numismatic coinset of the circulation coins of the 2011 issue reminds of the fatal-to-Lithuania events of 13 January 1991 and of the following recognition of our State in the world.

The coinset dedicated to the 10th anniversary of Lithuania’s accession to the European Union and NATO consists of 10, 20, 50 centas and 1, 2, 5 litas denomination circulation coins and the commemorative sign placed among them. Their planes and relief surface are brilliant (BU). The coins and the sign were struck by the UAB Lithuanian Mint. The mintage of the coinset is 4 000 pieces.

Source of information: Bank of Lithuania: www.lb.lt