The Bank of Lithuania

20 euro

28,28 g

38,61 mm

Silver 925°

3000 pcs.

Proof, mirror surface with mat relief

Rytas Jonas Belevičius – graphic design and sculptor model

Lithuanian Mint

The obverse of the coin features a stylised Vytis on a shield in the centre; the coin is surrounded by a plaiting of decorative elements and the inscriptions 2015, LIETUVA (Lithuania), 20 €. There is also the mintmark of the Lithuanian Mint on the obverse of the coin. The reverse of the coin features a portrait of Mikołaj Radziwiłł “the Black” – Marshal and Chancellor of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania (GDL), Voivode of Vilnius; beside it – the coat of arms of the Radziwiłł Family; the inscription MIKALOJUS RADVILA JUODASIS, 500 (MIKOŁAJ RADZIWIŁŁ “THE BLACK”) is arranged in a semicircle at the top. The edge of the coin bears the inscription ŠTAI GIMINĖ, KURIA SUSVYRAVUSI RĖMĖS TĖVYNĖ (“Here is the family that our homeland, when faltering, leaned upon”).

Mikołaj Radziwiłł “the Black” was a political figure of extraordinary talent and exceptional brightness in the 16th c. Grand Duchy of Lithuania. The main goal of the life of Mikołaj Radziwiłł “the Black” was to preserve the statehood of Lithuania. He gave all his strength and energy to this, even not sparing his personal funds. At first the nobleman sought to strike down the power of Lithuania’s major enemy – the Grand Duchy of Moscow. Being a fine diplomat, during the 1547 and 1553 missions to Prague and Vienna he broke the ties of the Habsburgs with Moscow and in 1554 initiated the plan of joining Livonia to the GDL.