Bank of Lithuania

5 euro

1,244

13,92

Gold 999°

5000

Proof

Graphic design by Jolanta Mikulskytė, sculptor model – by Giedrius Paulauskis.

Lithuanian Mint

The obverse of the coin features in the centre the stylised coat of arms of the Republic of Lithuania, Vytis, which is depicted against a background of interfering coherent light waves, surrounded by the inscriptions LIETUVA (Lithuania), 2016 and €5. The reverse of the coin features a stylised reflection of a laser light impulse. There is the inscription LIETUVOS MOKSLAS (Lithuanian Science) at the top and Fizika (Physics) at the bottom of the coin. The edge of the coin is plain.

The coin is dedicated to physics. At Vilnius University, physics has been taught since its founding in the 16th c. However, when Vilnius University was closed, the development of physics was suddenly cut off. The evolution of the science of physics began anew in Independent Lithuania, when the Lithuanian University was founded in Kaunas in 1923. With Lithuania having regained its independence, more suitable conditions for the strengthening of international links formed and more attention was paid to issues related to the needs of our country. One of the most modern and internationally-recognised branches of physics is laser physics. On the reverse of this coin we can see a star lit by a powerful laser beam – the symbol of laser physics. The reason for the successful breakthrough of Lithuanian lasers into global markets is close collaboration between research, scientific and industry institutions; as a result, the lasers sector is exceptionally productive.