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CC 556 2025
Coincard
BU
Coincard
Lithuania · For Defence
Mintage5,000
Issue price€12.00
Issue date27 Mar 2025
PackagingCoincard
Edge letteringLAISVĖ ★ VIENYBĖ ★ GEROVĖ ★
Market price€59.99
Issue occasion
The commemorative coin is dedicated to the theme of defence. The design shows the outline of Lithuania, surrounded by a stylised spiked border representing its state borders, making Lithuania appear as a hedgehog ready to defend itself. The hedgehog symbolises the openness and vulnerability of free societies, as well as the concept of comprehensive, whole-of-society defence; “LIETUVA”, “2025” and the mintmark also appear in the centre of the coin.
The design
The coin design depicts the outline of Lithuania. The national borders are surrounded by a stylised barbed-wire border as a symbol of the concept of comprehensive, whole-of-society defence. The image of the hedgehog also represents the openness and vulnerability of free societies, which must be protected against external threats with all their might. Lithuania is depicted as a hedgehog, ready to defend itself at any time. In addition, the inscription “LIETUVA” (LITHUANIA), the year of issue “2025” and the mint mark of the Lithuanian Mint can be seen in the centre of the coin.
The twelve stars of the European flag are depicted on the outer ring of the coin.
The twelve stars of the European flag are depicted on the outer ring of the coin.
Background on the topic
Lithuania’s current defence policy is closely linked to the experiences of the 20th century. The country was occupied and annexed by the Soviet Union in 1940, was subsequently occupied by Germany and came under Soviet rule again in 1944. Lithuanian partisans continued to fight against the Soviet occupation for several years. In 1990, Lithuania declared the restoration of its state independence. This past shapes the political importance attached to sovereignty, territorial defence and societal resilience.
Since 2004, Lithuania has been a member of NATO and the European Union. Its security situation is shaped by its shared border with Belarus and its proximity to the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad. Between Lithuania and Poland there is also the land link between the Baltic states and the other NATO members, often referred to as the Suwałki Corridor. Following Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, Lithuania reintroduced conscription in 2015, which had previously been suspended. Since 2017, a multinational NATO battlegroup led by Germany has also been stationed in the country.
The concept of total defence is not limited to the armed forces. It involves government authorities, municipalities, businesses, critical infrastructure operators, voluntary organisations and the population. This includes military preparedness, civil protection, crisis planning, cybersecurity, security of supply and dealing with disinformation. The Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union plays a particularly important role; it is a voluntary, state-supported organisation that offers, among other things, training and support for defence and civilian resilience.
The issue is apparently not linked to a historical anniversary, but instead addresses a current state-policy topic. Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine since 2022 has further intensified the perception of threats in Lithuania. The coin therefore does not assign defence solely to the military, but presents it as the responsibility of the state and society as a whole.
Since 2004, Lithuania has been a member of NATO and the European Union. Its security situation is shaped by its shared border with Belarus and its proximity to the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad. Between Lithuania and Poland there is also the land link between the Baltic states and the other NATO members, often referred to as the Suwałki Corridor. Following Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, Lithuania reintroduced conscription in 2015, which had previously been suspended. Since 2017, a multinational NATO battlegroup led by Germany has also been stationed in the country.
The concept of total defence is not limited to the armed forces. It involves government authorities, municipalities, businesses, critical infrastructure operators, voluntary organisations and the population. This includes military preparedness, civil protection, crisis planning, cybersecurity, security of supply and dealing with disinformation. The Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union plays a particularly important role; it is a voluntary, state-supported organisation that offers, among other things, training and support for defence and civilian resilience.
The issue is apparently not linked to a historical anniversary, but instead addresses a current state-policy topic. Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine since 2022 has further intensified the perception of threats in Lithuania. The coin therefore does not assign defence solely to the military, but presents it as the responsibility of the state and society as a whole.