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€10 coin “ANBO aircraft - 100 years”
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Obverse
The obverse of the coin features stylised models of ANBO aircraft and the double cross. In a semicircle are titles of aircraft “ANBO I” and “ANBO VIII”, the inscription “Lithuania” (Lietuva) and the mintmark of the Lithuanian Mint. The denomination (€10) and the year of issue (2025) appear next to the models.Reverse
The reverse of the coin bears the inscription “ANBO lėktuvams – 100 metų” (ANBO aircraft – 100 years) (ANBO is an acronym for Antanas Nori Būti Ore, Antanas wants to be in the air). It also features a portrait of the aeronautical engineer who laid the foundations of aviation in Lithuania, a stylised model of a military aircraft, as well as the inscriptions “Antanas Gustaitis” and “ANBO IV” arranged in a semicircle.Designed by Tomas Dragūnas
The edge of the coin bears the inscription “Antanas nori būti ore” (Antanas wants to be in the air) and the double cross as a separator
Description
“Antanas nori būti ore” – ANBO (“Antanas wants to be in the air”). This marks the beginning of the story that lifted Lithuania into the sky 100 years ago. As a young officer, Antanas Gustaitis designed a series of Lithuanian aircraft, named ANBO, which laid the foundations of Lithuania’s aviation.
These aircraft, which became the pride of our country, promoted Lithuanian military aviation both at international exhibitions and in flights. Before the Soviet occupation, the ANBO aircraft served as the principal training means for our aviators, with every future pilot making their first flights in Lithuanian aircraft. When taking to the skies, each of them felt that they carried a special mission – to demonstrate that even a small country could master advanced technology.
These aircraft were more than just a technical achievement, as they embodied Lithuania’s drive and aspiration to be modern and creative. The history of ANBO represents our aviation tradition, passed down from generation to generation.
Today, as we mark the centenary of ANBO, we remember not only the aircraft, but also their creator Antanas Gustaitis, whose dream became part of the nation’s history.
