2020-04-24
As people around the world mobilise their strength to stop the deadly COVID-19 pandemic, various national and international initiatives emerge in order to commemorate this historical period and honour its participants. In this context, this summer the Bank of Lithuania plans to issue a collector coin dedicated to Hope.
“The idea of a coin dedicated to Hope was born in view of the unity and solidarity of Lithuanians and other nations in the face of the threat of the coronavirus. The coin for Hope will always remind us of medical personnel who selflessly help the ill, law enforcement officers and soldiers, members of the Riflemen’s Union, volunteers who help the elderly and lonely, teachers who are patiently teaching remotely and have quickly adapted to the changing working conditions, as well as salespeople, drivers and others who help us live more comfortably during this difficult time. This coin is dedicated to honouring all those who came together and now stay safe from the new virus by self-isolating at home and, when possible, working from home, those who care for and help teach their children, support their families,” said Asta Kuniyoshi, Deputy Chair of the Board of the Bank of Lithuania.
In response to the current situation in Lithuania and around the world that developed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences, the Board of the Bank of Lithuania updated the coin issue plans for 2020 and 2021.
Two coins which were supposed to be issued in Q2 2020 will be issued at a later date: the collector coin dedicated to Tree Beekeeping (from the series “Lithuanian Nature”) is postponed for issue in Q3, while the collector coin dedicated to the 300th birth anniversary of the Vilna Gaon (Elijah ben Solomon Zalman) will be issued in Q4.
The collector coin dedicated to the XXXII Olympic Games in Tokyo and the collector coin dedicated to the Sea Festival (from the series “Traditional Lithuanian Celebrations”), both previously planned for issue in 2020, have been postponed to 2021.
In 2020, the Bank of Lithuania will also no longer be issuing a coin dedicated to Environmental Protection, in 2021 – collector coins dedicated to Numismatists and Social Media. Plans for the issue of these coins will be discussed at a later stage.