Denomination Talonas Relieve Shortage: High Notes Issued To Ruble
Denomination Talonas Relieve Shortage: High Notes Issued To Ruble
Denomination Talonas Relieve Shortage: High Notes Issued To Ruble
Continued on page 1 —
2 .
TALONAS FOOD RATION COUPONS
200 X 500 TALONAS NOTES
(Continued from page 1...)
LABDAROS BILIETAS
Illustrated above is a 5-unit Charity JANUARY 13 MEDAL
Note issued in 1991 by the Lithuanian Red
Cross. The note measures 153 x 66 mm.
With a blue wavy line background, most of
the text is in red on the obverse, and blue
on the reverse. The notes were printed in
Minsk, Belarus.
The text on the obverse translates,
"LITHUANIAN RED CROSS CHARITY NOTE,
5 FIVE."
The reverse translates, "CHARITY
NOTE. Purpose of the Lithuanian Red Cross
—
Association to preserve human life, health
and dignity in all situations. By supportihg
the association, you help to protect the
unfortunate, the elderly, the lonely and the
socially deprived people from suffering and
also to lessen it."
—
with specially manufactured dies. Dies steel tool During the reign of Sigismund August
on which is engraved the negative of the coins (1548-1572), the mint operated in a house on
obverse (obverse die) and the reverse (reverse die). German Street. Without great interruptions, it
The die which mints the obverse is called the top remained there from 1545 to 1571. The place
die, and the reverse, the bottom die. The dies were where the dies were found is evidence that
poured, hammered, engraved and tempered. During when the mint ws shut down, the equipment
the middle ages, coins were minted by hand. The was moved to the castle. The dies from 1546
obverse die was driven into a block of wood, on it and the fact that half-grasis coins were no
a flan was placed. Then the hand held reverse die longer minted after 1565 are evidence that
was placed on top. The coin was minted with one the dies are from the whole period when half
or more strikes. Such technology limits coin size. grasis coihs were mihted, and not only from
Hand minting was used in Europe until the beginning the later period. The larger diameter dies are
of the 18th century. more difficult to identify, since a number of
Judging from the diameters of the engraved larger denomihatibn coihs had similar diam-
surfaces, they are dies for half-grasis (one obverse eters.
and three reverses) and larger value (one obverse
and one reverse) coin dies. On one obverse die a
portion of the obverse legend has survived. There
are two groups of letters-MAG and ITV, and a BALT/CA PO BOX 66882
circle under them. Such a circle was used by Mel- SEATTLE, tVA 98166 USA
choir, and engraved working at the Vilnius mint
December 1, 15A5 to October 30, 15A6 and is known (paid ad.)
from half-grasis' dated 1546. By comparing the and
Has Talonas notes for sale
legends of coins minted that year with the surviving LNA
other Baltic material. Mention
portions on the dies, there is no doubt that they
and write for price list.
are the same. The legend is as follows: MONETA
7 .
create an effectively functioning economic ment of the private sector. Lithuania could
system. The government's plan to sell 1.5 count on an initial amount of ten million dollars
million tons of Lithuanian gold and 1.5 million in aid.
dollars from the state hard currency fund World Bank experts on transport, commun-
would further delay the introduction of the ications, power engineering, municipal services
litas. and environmental protection are also expected
The Lithuanian Parliament has set up a to arrive in Lithuania in the nearest future.
special commission to investigate into the After both groups of experts return back to
conflict raging between the Government and Washington with an official statement, the
and the Bank. Stasys Kropas, chairman of the World Bank is going to set credit limits for
commission, has called on both sides to restrain Lithuania when it becomes a Bank member,
presumably in July.
3.
EXCERPTED NEWS FROM RADIO FREE EUROPE / RADIO LIBERTY
April 1. Radio Riga and Western agencies reported visiting Lithuania, should be ready in June. Lithuania is
about critical shortage of rublesin the
a Baltic States. one of H
former USSR republics whose applications to
Consequently, Lithuanian Premier Gediminas Vagnorius has join the IMF are expected to be approved at next week's
suspended the pay of members of the government and legis- semi-annual meeting of the IMF and World Bank in Washing-
lature, as well as the central bank staff. The government ton. (Saulius Girnius)
is also allowing delays of one month in the payment of April 28. Baltic States Provisionally Admitted
rents and housing charges. The Estonian government is to IMF, World Bank Along
Russia and 12 other With CIS.
trying to overcome the ruble shortage by selling some of republics of the former USSR were privisionally admitted
its hard currency reserves. The Latvian government is to the IMF and WOrld Bank on 27 April. ..(Ben Slay)
considering the possibility of introducing an interim April 30. On 29 April Lithuania became the first
currency, the Latvian ruble, before going over to the former USSR republic to assum full membership in the IMF
LATS, but most economists say that this would not stabil- and World Bank, an RFE/RL correspondent in Washington
ze the monetary situation in the country. The ruble reports. International Economic Relations Minister Vytenis
shortage can be attributed in part ot inflation and to Aleskaitis signed the articles of agreement at the U.S.
the new conditions of trade with Russia. (Dzintra Bungs) State Department. Lithuania will pay membership dues of
April 3. On 2 April Great Britain repaid gold to $9*t.5 million of which 22.1% must be in hard currency. It
Estonia and Lithuanian that was deposited in the Bank of will need IMF help in introducing its own currency, the
England when the Baltic States were annexed by the USSR LITAS, by establishing a stabilization fund similar to
in 19^0. Reuters reported that day. A settlement with the one promised for the ruble. (Saulius Girnius).
Latvia is still being negotiated. Before 19*f0 the Baltic May On 1 May Lithuania began to issue a new
States had about 1^ tons of gold deposited in the Bank set of currency, commonly known as vagnorkas (in reference
of England. In 1967 Britain sold the Baltic gold for 10 to the prime minister), that will serve as a temporary
million dollars and used most of the proceeds to meet currency. Because the Russian Central Bank has not deliv-
claims by Britons for assets lost when the Baltic States ered sufficient quantities of rubles, many workers in
were taken over by the USSR. (Oznitra Bungs) Lithuania could not be paid. The currency, intended to
April 22. The Estonian Currency Reform Bureau supplement regular ruble bills, will be issued in various
reports that preparations for currency reform are in unnamed denominations, including 200 and 500 units and
high gear. According to BNS on 21 April, local currency will serve inthe same way as rubles. (Saulius Girnius).
reform committees have been formed to compile lists of May 7. On 6 May Latvian Prime Minister Ivars
all permanent residents and foreigners who have lived in Godmanis and Bank of Latvia president Einars Repse told
Estonia for at leas 1 year. The deadline for the lists Radio Riga that the Latvian ruble will be introduced on
is 30 April, and residents must recheck their names and May 7. The new currency will exist alongside the ex-USSR
data on the lists by 15 May. Supreme Council forces have ruble in Latvia. It is being introduced becauseLatvia
also decided to use the currency reform lists to compile does not have enough bank notes to meet its financial
a master list of those eligible to vote in Estonia's obligations to its residents, a situation that has arisen
upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections and because Russia has failed to honor its agreement to
constitution reform. (Riina Kionka) provide an adequate supply of banknotes. The Latvian
April 22. On 21 April the Swedish Foreign Ministry ruble will aninterim currency until the lats is
serve as
outlined a one billion crown ($165 million) aid program —
issued possibly next spring. The exchange rate for the
for Eastern Europe, Reuters reports. 300 million crowns Latvian ruble to the ex-USSR ruble will be one to one.
($50 million) would be used in the 1992/93 budget year (Dzintra Bungs)
to back up the new currencies Lithuanian, Latvia, and May 8. Radio Riga reported May 7 that the
Estonia plan to introduce this year. Ove Heyman, head of first payments of salaries and pensions have been made in
the ministry section supervising the aid, stressed the Latvian rubles and that recipients seem to accept the new
importance of a successful launch, noting, "It is diffic- currency. Banks and commodities exchanges appeared to be
ult to remake a failed currency reform." The aid program largely ignoring the Latvian ruble, using the ex-USSR
will be put to a vote in the Swedish parliament on 29 ruble in transactions. A notable exception was
their
April. Heyman also noted that the issue of how to compen- Parex, the largest banking establishment specializing in
sate Estonia and Lithuania for more than k tons of gold the exchange of foreign currency, which already started
deposited Swedenin and then sent to Moscow in to sell U.S. dollars for Latvian rubles. The current
in 1939
19^0 would be rsolved later in the week. (Saulius Girnius) exchange rate was not reported, although Radio Riga said
April 23. On 22 April Lithuanian Prime Minister that the value of the dollar against the Russian ruble
Gediminas Vagnorius sent a letter to IMF Managing Direc- had fallen this week. Several banking experts, however,
for developing a program to stabilize the country's alleviate its ruble shortage wihtout issuine one kroon
economy. The program prepared by IMF experts, who are coins in lieu of 500 and 1000 ruble bills as previously
9.
planned. According to an 11 May BNS report, a shipment of proceeding according to plan and will be limited. Should
100 million rubles expected by theend of May will go a long the government ask for the emission of additional bankno-
way towards relieving the shortage. (Riina Kionka). tes in an effort to cover a budget deficit, he would
May 13. On 12 May at a session of the Lithuanian resist such requests, he said, adding that the Latvian
Supreme Council, broadcast live by Radio Lithuania, Prime ruble is now being widely accepted in Latvia (Bzintra
Minister Gediminas Vagnorius failed to get the parliament's Bungs).
approval to dismiss Energy Minister Leonas Asmantas and June 3 Estonia's new currency, the KROON, was
BAnk of Lithuanian chairman Vilius Baldisius. Although the produced in the United States, and the United Kingdom,
votes dismissing Asmantas and Baldisius were A3 to 32
for Rahva Haal reports on June 3. The 1 and 2 Kroon bills
with 15 abstentions and A5 to 22 with 20 abstentions respec- were printed by the United States BAnknote International,
tively, they remain in their posts because the majority of and 10, 25, 100, and 500 kroon notes by Thowas de la Rue
the 93 deputies registered as attending did not vote for and Company, Ltd. (Riina Kionka).
dismissal (Saulius Girnius).
May lA. Estonia will link the value of its new curren- NEWS FROM LITHUANIAN WEEKLY
cy to the Deutsche Mark, BNS reported on 13 May. Estonian
Bank President Siim Kallas told reporters that when he was May 15-21. May 19. The Lithuanian Savings Bank was
in Frankfurt on an unofficial visit last week Deutsche
accepted as member of the International Institute of
Bundesbank officials approved a plan by which the kroon
Savings Banks with headquarters in Geneva and membership
will match the value of the DM — by ± 0.3?^. Kallas also said
of 2,800 banks from 85 countries of the world. In March,
Estonia's stablization fund for the kroon now holds some
the LSB had been provided with full-membership rights by
$120 million. (Riina Kionka).
the international banks organization "Eurocard."
May 15. Russia will return some $1A.5 million depos-
On May 6, the Lithuanian Government adopted a
ited in the Soviet Foreign Trade Bank, BNS reported on 13
resolution on establishing an index for the exchange
May. The agreement came after a meeting between Estonian
rate of hard currency against the market ruble. From
Bank President Siim Kallas and Russian Central Bank Presi-
June 1, U.S. $1 equals 120 market rubles. This index
dent Georgii Matyukhin that day in Moscow. (Riina Kionka)
will be recalculating hard-currency profits or
used for
May 18. On 16 May Lithuainan Prime Minister Gediminas
expenditures and foreign investments, when the contribut-
Vagnorius sent a letter to parliament chairman Vytautas
ion of the Lithuanian side to a joint venture is estimat-
Landsbergis asking for aceptance of his resignation effect-
ed at free-market price. According to the new index,
ive May 28, Redio Lithuania reports. Vagnorius wrote that
fixed on May 1, the value of buildings and premises is
his government could no longer control the republic's
estimated at the rate of U.S. $1 to 15 rubles; in other
economic and social life because the left-wing opposition
cases the exchange rate is 1:35.
has taken the initiative inthe parliament. It had rejected
May 22-28. The Sajudis Seimas and the Coalition of
his request to dismiss the chairman of the Bank of Lithuania
Sajudis movements held a session in Vilnius to discuss
and the minister of energy and to call new parliamentary
the post-referendum situation in Lithuania. Participants
elections. In a television address on 17 May, Landsbergis
of the meeting issued a statement asserting that a
asked Vagnorius to remain in office. (Saulius Girnius).
pro-communist coup is being carried out in Lithuania.
May 19. The Baltic States will achieve telephonic
May 8-lA.. On May 7, Vytautas Landsbergis presented
independence as early as next autumn, BNS reported on 18
January 13th Remembrance Medals to AO people of the
May that the International Telecommunications Union (ITU)
press. Radio and TV, and communications for courage and
has agreed in principle that the telephone area codes of
dedication in defending the Lithuanian freedom and
370, 371, and 372 will be assigned to Estonia, Latvia, and
independence in January-September of 1991. Among those
Lithuania, respectively. These codes, which currently belong
awarded are two foreign journalists: Karel Bartak, chief
to the eastern part of Germany, will be available as early
of Press Czechia-Slovakia, and Hans-Wilhelm
Agency of
as September. The Baltic States now use the telephone code
Steinfeld, correspondent of the Norwegian TV.
of "7" used by the former Soviet Union (Riina Kionka).
May 26. On May 26 Lithuanian Supreme Council Chairman
Vytautas Landsbergis, in a speech brodcast live by Radio
Lithuania, clearly affirmed that he is not going to change FREE POSTCARD ENCLOSED
his policies after the referendum vote. He accused the
left-wing deputies of planning a "creeping coup" to seize Enclosed with this
in the envelope
all control in Lithuania and directly attacked the Lithuan- issue The
Knight is a free postcard
of
ian Democratic Labor Party. He called for a 3 month freeze showing Lithuanians demonstrating in Washing-
on replacing high officials in parliament and government ton, D.C. in April, 1990 for Lithuania's
and the holding of elections to a new parliament on 23 independence. This postcard courtesy of the
August. The speech is likely to further inflam the already Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture in
heated situation in the parliament. (Saulius Girnius). Chicago.
May 29. Estonia formally joined the International
Write the Museum for their latest
Monetary Fund on May 26.
newsletter, their gift shop items, and other
June 3. Bank of Latvia president Einars Repse told
services. 6500 S. Pulaski Rd., Chicago,
Diena on 1 June that the emission of the Latvian ruble is
Illinois 60629.
10 .
WANT/FOR SALE ADS DUKSA BOOK AVAILABLE
FUR SALE: Polish 3 Groschen, assorted Zenonas Duksa's book, MONETOS PASAKOJA
dates and mints, VF-plus, $18. 3 for $50. (Coins Tell a Story) which we have mentioned ih
Fine-plus, $15, 3 for $A2. Lithuanian stamps, the last couple of issues of The Knight, is now
covers and birchbark cancelled envelope, write available from the Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian
for list. $1.75 postage on all orders, SASE for Culture. Those who ordered copies via this editor
price list. Anthony Tumonis, 3A11 S. Camiho have now had their copies sent to them. But from
Seco #128, Tucson, AZ 85730. now on, write the Museum to obtaih a copy. The
price is $10 each plus $2.50 p & h.
WANTED: Spearpoint/Columns denare,
Lithuanian patterns. Specimen notes, mint
sets (original with box), Memel, etc. Write MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL TIME
first with what you have and prices. All
responses answered. Anthony Tumonils, 3A11 S. It is now time for everyone to renew their
Camino Seco #128, Tucson, AZ 85730. membership/subscription in the Lithuanian Numisma-
tic Association and The Knijght. for Volume 15.
FOR SALE: I am
disposing of my Lithu- This will be a most historic year in Lithuanian
anian collection medals, lapel pins, books,
of numiSamtic history, and we know you'll want to
newspapers, postcards and albums, vekselius, learn all about it when new Lithuanian coins and
perlaidas, kvitas, old and new currencies, banknotes are released into circulation!
including talonas and Siauliai sports game Our director. Bob Douchis, will be sending
money. Send SASE with two stamps for listing renewal noti'ces out shortly, but if you want to
to Victor Zilaitis, 2018 Heathfield Circle, Sun save us postage and an envelope, feel free to
City Center, FL 33573 or phone (813) 633-3A03. send in your renewal to him now. The cost is
still a donatibn of $10 or more.
FOR SALE: Lithuanian coins holders We thank you our members for your support
for complete circulation 1925, 1936, 1938 all these years, whith makes a specialty association
lA-coin set. Beautiful blue Capital plastic, like ours possible. If you would like to help sponsor
with dates and denominations printed on a subscription to Lithuania, please designate that
them. Excellent for safety deposit boxes, or ih your renewal letter. We will be lifting these
for proud display. $25 each (we have about sponsors and our entire list of members in the
only 25 of these left). Balzekas Museum of next issue of The Knight, along with our director's
Lithuanian Culture, 6500 S. Pulaski Rd., report.
Chicago, IL 60629.
Terms of Sale:
Discount to LNA members only:
0 to $500 20 %
$501-up 25%
Short on cash? 1/3 down, balance in 60 days
Postage:
Up to $100 $2.00
$101 to $300 $3.00
$301-up $5.00
Seven day return provilege from your date of receipt when sent
back in original holders.
Personal checks are OK from LNA members but large orders may be
held until check clears. Immediate shipment on certified and
cashier checks or money orders.
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COINS
stock No, Country, Catalog Numbers, Denomination, Date, Condition, Price
40 Lithuania ;G-598 ;HCz-468 ;Kop pg 41, II, 7; groschen ; 1550 ;VF+; $35. 00
<5
42 Lithuania ;G-598 ;HCz-470 ;Kop pg 41, II, 8, r;^ groschen; 155Z ;F-VF; $35 00 .
361 Lithuania;G-598 ;HCz-474 ;Kop pg 41, II, 9, r;^ groschen; 1552 ;VF+ ; $50 00 .
329 Lithuania ;G-598 ;HCz-4924 ;Kop pg 41,11,13;^ groschen; 1556 ;EF; $45 00 .
349 Lithuania ;G-598 ;HCz-4925 ;Kop pg 41,11,13;^ groschen; 1556 ;XF; $45 00 .
330 Lithuania ;G-598 ;HCz-494 ;Kop pg 41,11, 14a;^ groschen; 1557 ;VF; $30 00
.
348 Lithuania ;G-598 ;HCz-5675 ;Kop pg 41,II,14a;^ groschen; 1557 ;XF; $30 00 .
49 Lithuania ;G-598 ;HCz-4934 ;Kop pg 41,11, 16a;^ groschen; 1559 ;VF+; $30. 00
50 Lithuania ;G-598 ;HCz-509 ;Kop pg 41,11, 16a;^ groschen;1559;VF;$30. 00
331 Lithuania ;G-598 ;HCz-7144 ;Kop pg 41,II,16a;^ groschen ; 1559 ;VF-EF; $45. 00
332 Lithuania ;G-598 ;HCz-4933 ;Kop pg 41,II,16a;^ groschen ; 1559 ;EF; $45. 00
51 Lithuania ;G-598 ;HCz-511;Kop pg 41,II,17a;^ groschen ; 1560 ;F-VF; $20. 00
333 Lithuania;G-598 ;HCz-4936 ;Kop pg 41,11, 17a;^ groschen; 1560 ;EF; $45 00 .
339 Lithuania ;G-604 ;HCz-4956 ;Kop pg 42,II,20a;^ groschen ; 1563 ;F-VF; $25. 00
56 Lithuania ;G-605 ;HCz-7162 ;Kop pg 42,11,21;^ groschen;1564 ;F;$20.00
340 Lithuania ;G-605 ;HCZ“7163 ;Kop pg 42,11,21;^ groschen; 1564 ;F; $20 00
.
86 Lithuania ;G-624 ;HCz-569 ;Kop pg 46,I,5,r;4 groschen; 1569 ;aVF; $45 00.
131 Lithuania ;G-1332 ;HCz-849 ;Kop pg 228,I,3b,r;3 groschen ; 1591 ;VF; $35. 00
132 Lithuania ;G-1333 ;HCz-875;Kop pg 228,I,4,r;3 groschen; 1592 ;VF-EF; $45 00 .
137 Lithuania ;G-1336;HCz-5045;Kop pg 229, IV, 3a; 3 groschen; 1595 ;VF; $35 00 .
140 Lithuania ;G-1341 ;HCz-1103 ;Kop pg 229,III,6a;3 groschen; 1598 ;aVF; $35 00 .
123 Lithuania ; G-1609 ;HCz-12 54 ; Kop pg 226,11, 2a; groschen; 1609 ;aVF; $350 00 .
124 Lithuania ;G-1610 ;HCz-12 64 ;Kop pg 226, IV, 2a, r; groschen; 1610 ;VF; light
crease;$25. 00
147 Lithuania;G-1653 ;HCz-2040;Kop pg 118 III 2 /‘schilling; 1653 ;F-VF; $20. 00
, ,
148 Lithuania ;G-1653 ;HCz-xxx;Kop pg 118 III, 3 rrr /‘schilling; 1653 ;VF;$25. 00
, ,
154 Lithuania ;G-1868 ,‘HCz-2268 ;Kop pg 118 , IV, W2 ;schilling; 166 (4) ;aVF; $5 00.
PAPER MONEY
Abbreviations used: PC punch cancelled
VE VALEUR NON VALABLEl ENCHANTILLON!
PB PAVYZDYS BEVERTIS
P PAVYZDYS
Stock No, Country, Pick No, Denomination, Date, Condition, Description, Price
212 Lithuania P- 1 centas; 1922 ;UNC; SPECIMEN, VE on OBV,PICK PLATE NOTE; $65. 00
213 Lithuania P- 1 centas ; 1922 ;UNC; SPECIMEN, PB on OBV,REV is blank;$45.00
214 Lithuania P~ 1 centas ; 1922 ;UNC; $60. 00
215 Lithuania P- 2 centu;1922;UNC;$70.00
216 Lithuania P- 2 centu ; 19 2 2 ; UNC ; SPECIMEN PC ; $7 5 . 0
,
blank; $500.00
258 Lithuania ; P-23 ; 10 litu; 1927 ;EF; $60 00
.
REV;$105.00
J Lithuania; P-25; 100 litu; 1928 ;F; $20. 00
263 Lithuania; P-25; 100 litu; 1928 ;EF;PICK PLATE NOTE;$65.00
264 Lithuania; P-25; 100 litu; 1928 ;UNC; SPECIMEN pair, PC and P on OBV and
REV;$100.00
265 Lithuania; P-25; 100 litu; 1928 ;UNC; SPECIMEN, Bradbury Wilkinson seal and punch
hole;$100.00
266 Lithuania; P-25; 100 litu; 1928 ;UNC; SPECIMEN, Bradbury Wilkinson seal and punch
hole;$100. 00
267 Lithuania; P-26; 5 litai;1929;UNC;SPECIMEN pair,P on OBV and REV, back
blank;$100.00
269 Lithuania; P-27; 20 litu;1930;EF;$80.00
270 Lithuania; P-27; 20 litu; 1930 ;UNC; SPECIMEN pair,P on OBV and REV, backs
blank; $110. 00
271 Lithuania; P-28; 10 litu; 1938 ;UNC; SPECIMEN, P on OBV and REV;$3000.00
301 Germany ;P-R120/R12 6; 19 16 ;EF-UNC; German occupied territory set,+R126
SPECIMEN; $225. 00
302 Germany ;P-R127/R13 4 ,*1918 ;VF-UNC; German occupied territory set;$78.00
C Germany ;P-R12 4 ; 10 ruble; 1916 ;VF+; German occupied territory ; $12 00
.
295 Germany; 1916 ;UNC;Ration card in Polish for flour, bread, sugar, etc. ; $45. 00
303 Germany 1931; EF; Postcard showing Lith coins/exchange rate; $50. 00
;
K Lithuania; 1989 ;UNC;Samogitian Fair notes (with ser nos) 1,5,10 LITS;$40.00