2019-07-10
Today, the Bank of Lithuania issues into circulation the €2 commemorative coin dedicated to sutartinės, Lithuanian multipart songs, inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
‘€2 commemorative coins are legal tender throughout the euro area. Issuing them every year, we aim to spread awareness of our country across Europe and around the world. This time, the new coin showcases the unique Lithuanian heritage – folk songs sutartinės. Another coin of the same denomination will be issued in autumn this year. It will be dedicated to Samogitia,’ said Deivis Stankevičius, Chairman of the Coin Creation Commission at the Bank of Lithuania.
Prof. dr. Daiva Vyčinienė, ethnomusicologist, noted that in the 21st century, sutartinės became one of the most important cultural symbols, conveying Lithuanian identity and unifying the nation. Today, sutartinės can be heard at international folklore and neo-folk festivals, the Aukštaitija region festival ‘Sutarjėla’ and on many other occasions.
Designed by Liudas Parulskis, the national side of the coin depicts linear motifs, symbolising polyphonic melodies of sutartinės. The lines are widening and narrowing again, spinning into a swirl decorated with various miniature geometric and nature figures. The common side of the coin – designed by Luc Luycx – features a geographical depiction of Europe.
The new €2 commemorative coin minted from a copper-nickel alloy is issued in a mintage of 0.5 million pcs, of which 5,000 coins are BU quality in a numismatic package. The price of BU quality coin is EUR 9 (inclusive of VAT). The rest of the mintage – 495 000 pcs – is unc quantity.
The coin in a numismatic package is available for purchase on the Bank of Lithuania e-shop, at the Bank of Lithuania cash offices, or through the official distributors of numismatic items. The regular €2 circulation coins can be exchanged into the €2 commemorative coins dedicated to sutartinės at the Bank of Lithuania cash offices.
The coins were minted at the Lithuanian Mint.