Lithuania 50 litu 450th Anniversary of First Lithuanian Book silver coin 1997

The 1997 Lithuania 50 Litu silver coin commemorates the 450th anniversary of the first Lithuanian printed book, a landmark in the nation’s literary and cultural history. One side reproduces the richly ornamented title page of Martynas Mažvydas’s “Catechism,” first published in 1547, with a rectangular text panel surrounded by elaborate Renaissance-style floral scrollwork, leaves, blossoms and decorative motifs. The anniversary theme and Lithuania are identified beside this historic book image. The opposite side displays the Vytis national emblem: an armored knight riding a rearing horse, raising a sword and carrying a shield with the double cross; the horse’s harness, saddle, flowing tail and the rider’s armor are carefully modeled. The denomination and 1997 date complete the design. Mažvydas’s Catechism established an enduring milestone in Lithuanian-language printing and written culture. Struck in silver with a brilliant Proof finish, this historical commemorative combines literature, typography, Renaissance book art and Lithuanian heraldry in one collectible issue.

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