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Coin dedicated to Kaunas (roll)
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Obverse
The national side of the coin (obverse) features a panorama of the city. In the foreground of the composition, stands the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Vytautas the Great Church), with the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, the House of Perkūnas, and, in the centre, Kaunas Town Hall rising behind it. Nearby stand the towers of St. Francis Xavier (Jesuit) Church, while Kaunas Castle emerges in the background. The right side of the coin depicts symbols of the modernism of the temporary capital: the Kaunas Central Post Office and the Basilica of the Resurrection of Christ. The organic forms of nature on the left side of the coin provide a lively counterbalance to the strict urban shapes. The composition includes the inscriptions KAUNAS, LIETUVA, the mintmark of the Lithuanian Mint, 2026 and the artist’s initials. The coin’s outer ring displays the 12 stars of the EU flag.Reverse
The common side of the coin features a geographical image of Europe.Designed by Tomas Dragūnas (national side) and Luc Luycx (common side)
On the edge of the coin: LAISVĖ * VIENYBĖ * GEROVĖ * (FREEDOM * UNITY * WELL-BEING *)
Description
Kaunas is a city whose history vividly reflects the development of the Lithuanian state. Situated at the confluence of the Nemunas and Neris rivers, it evolved over the centuries into an important centre of trade, crafts and culture. Kaunas gained particular significance between 1919 and 1939, when, as the temporary capital of Lithuania, it became the heart of the country’s political, economic and cultural life.
The city’s architecture reflects the legacy of different historical periods. Its Old Town retains features of Gothic architecture and later styles, including Kaunas Castle, Vytautas the Great Church, the House of Perkūnas, the Town Hall and other notable buildings. During the interwar period, the city underwent rapid growth and modernisation, giving rise to the distinctive architectural character of Modernist Kaunas. The architecture and urban development of this period gained international recognition in 2023, when Modernist Kaunas was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Kaunas brings together several important layers of Lithuanian history – from the historic city at the confluence of two rivers and the modernising interwar capital to vibrant present-day Kaunas. While preserving its rich historical and architectural heritage, Kaunas continues to evolve and grow, remaining one of Lithuania’s leading centres of culture, science and economic activity.
