Lithuania 1st Post-Soviet! P-32b 1 Talonas 1991 UNC—Lizards—Cranberry Branch

Banknote Characteristics

• Varieties:
  • P-32a: Without counterfeit clause at bottom
  • P-32b: With counterfeit clause at bottom — this note
• Front: Value with cranberry branch at center; Coat of Arms in gray at right
• Back: Two Sand Lizards (Lacerta agilis) at center
• Color: Brown on yellow-gold underprint
• Watermark: Large squarish diamond with symbol of the republic throughout paper
• Composition: Paper
• Size: 120 × 76 mm (4.72 × 2.99 inches)
• Printer: Spindulys AB, Kaunas, Lithuania
• Demonetized: Demonetized 25 June 1993
• Country: Lithuania — independent state (1918–1940); Soviet occupation (1940–1990); restored independence (1990–date)

The Talonas — Lithuania's Transitional Currency

When Lithuania declared the restoration of its independence in March 1990, it inherited an economy still tethered to the Soviet ruble. To break free, the government introduced the Talonas — a transitional coupon currency — in 1991. Issued at par with the Soviet ruble, the Talonas served as a bridge currency while Lithuania prepared to launch its permanent monetary unit, the Litas. When the Litas arrived in 1993, 100 talonai were exchanged for 1 litas, and the Talonas was demonetized on 25 June 1993 — its brief life a testament to the turbulent economics of post-Soviet transition.

The Sand Lizard — Nature on a Banknote

The reverse of this note features two Sand Lizards (Lacerta agilis), a species native to much of Europe and Central Asia. Lithuania's choice to feature wildlife on its transitional currency was deliberate — a quiet assertion of national identity and connection to the natural landscape at a moment of profound political change. The Sand Lizard is a protected species in many European countries, and its appearance here gives this humble coupon note an unexpected charm that collectors appreciate.

A Piece of Post-Soviet History

This P-32b variety carries the counterfeit clause printed at the bottom of the obverse — a small but distinguishing detail that separates it from the earlier P-32a. In Uncirculated condition, it remains crisp and bright, a tangible relic of Lithuania's bold leap from Soviet satellite to independent Baltic nation. An affordable and historically rich addition to any Eastern European or transitional currency collection.