Lithuania issued its second 2-euro commemorative coin of the year today, Thursday, October 1, 2026. The coin, dedicated to the country's second-largest city, also marks the launch of the brand-new "Lithuanian Cities" series. With this release, the Bank of Lithuania (Lietuvos Bankas) brings the rich architectural and historical heritage of Kaunas into numismatic focus, and collectors and coin enthusiasts can look forward to a particularly detailed and symbolic design on the national side.
The obverse of the new 2-euro coin features an impressive, stylized panorama of the city of Kaunas. On the right, in the foreground, rises the striking Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (also known as the Vytautas the Great Church), with the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul directly behind it. At the center is the historic House of Perkūnas, while on the left in the background the towers of the Jesuit Church of St. Francis Xavier soar upward. The historic Kaunas Castle can also be seen in the upper left of the design. As a deliberate counterpoint to these historic buildings, symbols of modernity from the city's era as temporary capital are depicted in the upper right: the Central Post Office and the Basilica of the Resurrection. Hints of organic natural forms in the lower left create a lively contrast to the strict urban shapes. The design is completed by the inscription 'KAUNAS' denoting the coin's theme at the top, the issuing country 'LIETUVA' at the bottom, the mint mark of the Lithuanian Mint, the year '2026', and the initials of coin designer Tomas Dragūnas. As usual, the twelve stars of the European flag encircle the outer ring of the coin.
Kaunas holds outstanding historical and cultural significance for Lithuania. During the interwar period of the 20th century, the city served as the country's temporary capital and experienced a remarkable boom in modernist architecture during this era, which today is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With this coin issue, the city—situated at the confluence of the Nemunas (Memel) and Neris rivers—is honored for its historical role and vibrant cultural heritage.
The total mintage of the new commemorative coin amounts to 500,000 pieces. For general circulation, 495,000 coins will be issued in the form of coin rolls. In addition, another 5,000 pieces will be issued in Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) quality, presented in a decorative coincard. The coins are available now and can be purchased through specialized dealers.
Source: Lietuvos Bankas
