This exceptional 5 Litai banknote, dated 16th November 1922, represents a pivotal moment in Lithuania’s history, issued during the nation’s determined efforts to establish economic sovereignty after regaining independence in 1918. Designed by Lithuanian artist Adomas Varnas and printed in Prague by Andreas Haase.
This note is the third and rarest variant of the 5 Litai issue (Pick 17), introduced to address counterfeiting concerns that plagued earlier versions. While superior in design to the temporary notes of 1922, it lacks advanced security features like watermarks, reflecting the printing limitations of the time. Its rarity is reflected on PMG Census with only nine examples of this note graded, compared to 24 of the first (Pick 15) and 23 of the second (Pick 16).
In PMG holder 55 About Uncirculated, paper pulls, this note is among the finest known, with only one other example certified in a higher grade.
Beyond its scarcity, this banknote embodies Lithuania’s resilience and ambition. Issued during a period of economic fragility, it symbolises the nation’s first modern currency, a testament to its hard-won independence and commitment to a stable future.
