20 SIT #486

Front

Abstract mountain landscape design representing the Slovenian Alps. The front features stylized mountain peaks rendered in guilloche patterns typical of security printing, with the inscription 'REPUBLIKA SLOVENIJA' (Republic of Slovenia) at top and 'ENA' (one) at lower right, though the note is denominated as 20 tolarjev. The design emphasizes Slovenia's Alpine geography and natural heritage through abstract geometric representation.

Back

Lipizzaner horses (Lipica stud farm horses), Slovenia's most famous equine breed originating from the Lipica stud farm established in 1580 during Habsburg rule. Two horses are depicted in fine engraved detail with the text 'DVAJSET SLOVENSKIH KORUN' (Twenty Slovenian Crowns) visible. The Lipizzaner is celebrated as a symbol of Slovenian cultural heritage and represents the nation's centuries-long tradition of horse breeding at the Lipica stud farm, now located in southwestern Slovenia near the Italian border.

History

The Slovenian tolar (SIT) was introduced on 8 October 1991 following Slovenia's declaration of independence from Yugoslavia in June 1991, replacing the Yugoslav dinar at par. The tolar served as Slovenia's national currency from 1991 until 1 January 2007, when Slovenia became the first former Yugoslav republic to adopt the euro. The 20 tolar note was part of the original series issued by the newly established Bank of Slovenia (Narodna Banka Slovenije / Banka Slovenije). The series featured designs emphasizing Slovenian natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and national symbols as the new nation asserted its independent identity. This note's design combines abstract Alpine mountain imagery on the front with the iconic Lipizzaner horses on the reverse, linking Slovenia's geographic identity with its equestrian heritage. The Lipica stud farm, established in 1580 by Archduke Charles II of Austria, has been breeding the famous white Lipizzaner horses for over four centuries and is one of Slovenia's most important cultural sites. All tolar banknotes were demonetized when Slovenia joined the eurozone on 1 January 2007, though they could be exchanged at banks until 31 December 2016 at the fixed rate of 239.640 SIT = 1 EUR.