500 Talonas #305

Front

The coat of arms of Lithuania (Vytis) at left showing a mounted knight on horseback. This national symbol, dating from the 14th century Grand Duchy of Lithuania, represents the defender of the nation and appears on Lithuania's state emblem. The denomination 500 is prominently displayed at center with decorative oak branches, symbolizing strength and endurance. The text 'LIETUVOS RESPUBLIKA' (Republic of Lithuania) and '1993' indicate the issuing authority and year. The phrase 'PENKI ŠIMTAI TALONŲ' (Five Hundred Talonas) appears in Lithuanian.

Back

Gray wolves (Canis lupus), a pair depicted standing and resting. The wolf holds special significance in Lithuanian culture and mythology, appearing in folklore as a symbol of strength, freedom, and the Lithuanian spirit. The inscription in Lithuanian reads 'VERTYBINIS POPIERIUS. UŽ JO PADIRBINĖJIMĄ BAUDŽIAMA PAGAL ĮSTATYMĄ' (Security paper. Its counterfeiting is punishable by law). Wolves were and remain part of Lithuania's natural heritage, with the country maintaining one of Europe's larger wolf populations.

History

The Talonas was Lithuania's transitional currency issued from 1991 to 1993 following independence from the Soviet Union. These temporary coupons were introduced on May 1, 1992, as a parallel currency alongside the Soviet ruble, becoming the sole legal tender on October 1, 1992. The 500 talonas note was issued in 1993, near the end of the series. The Talonas was replaced by the Litas on June 25, 1993, at a rate of 100 talonas = 1 litas, ending Lithuania's brief period with this transitional currency during the economic instability following Soviet collapse.