The Struve Geodetic Arc is one of the most remarkable attempts in human history to explore and determine the Earth’s shape and size,” writes Dr. Saulius Urbonas in the brochure issued together with the coin. The brochure explains that the Struve Geodetic Arc is a triangulation measurement chain, formed in 1816–1852, stretching from the 26° east longitude along the meridian from Hammerfest (Norway) on the shores of the Arctic Ocean to Ismail (Ukraine), by the Black Sea, i.e. from 4 °20’ to 70°40’ north latitude. The results of calculating the measurements of the triangulation nets’ fragments, for calculating the meridian’s arc, were systematised by Tartu University professor, long-time head of the University’s astronomy observatory, Friedrich Georg Wilhelm von Struve (1793–1864).

This calculation arc of the Earth’s meridian has great scientific and cultural value. Therefore, the Struve Geodetic Arc is immortalised and presented to the international public with 34 selected points. The points preserved in Lithuania are Meškonys, Paliepukai (both in the region of Vilnius) and Gireišiai (Rokiškis d.). In commemoration of them, the Bank of Lithuania’s collector coin has inscribed on the edge the following: GIREIŠIAI N55º54’09" E25º26’12" * MEŠKONYS N54º55’51" E25º19’00" * PALIEPIUKAI N54º38’04" E25º25’45" .