1 litas 1922

Common. The eBay market data shows F-condition notes selling in the $166-$185 range (2020-2021), with VG examples at $66-$72 and EF specimens at $165. These prices indicate a note that appears regularly on the market with multiple sales over several years. With catalog values in 2016 of VG:$100, VF:$220, and UNC:$400, this represents a moderately collected but not scarce issue. The pick number P-13 is not noted as particularly restricted, and the 1922 date falls within Lithuania's regular early currency production period. No special rarity indicators (small print run, recall, or variant scarcity) are evident from the catalog data provided.

This 1 Litas note represents Lithuania's first independent currency issue, authorized just months after the nation declared sovereignty in 1918. The Vytis (mounted knight) depicted on the obverse serves as Lithuania's national coat of arms and symbol of medieval grand duchy power, while the prominent cross on the reverse reflects the deep Christian Orthodox and Catholic heritage of the Lithuanian people. The November 1922 issue date places this note during the critical early years of the Lithuanian state's monetary stabilization and nation-building efforts.

The obverse features a complex heraldic composition centered on the Vytis (mounted knight), Lithuania's national coat of arms, depicted in profile facing left wearing medieval armor and bearing a sword. The knight is flanked by ornamental architectural pilasters with decorative capitals. The design is framed by elaborate borders containing heraldic eagles and Christian crosses, with ornamental shields positioned at the top and bottom corners on both sides. The reverse presents a dominant ornate Latin cross as the central focal point, constructed from four diamond or shield-shaped decorative panels containing intricate circular medallion patterns. Vertical inscriptions frame both sides of the cross. The entire design employs fine line engraving work throughout, with symmetrical composition emphasizing both national and religious symbolism.

FRONT: 'LIETUVOS BANKAS' (Bank of Lithuania) appears at top and bottom; 'VIENAS LITAS' (One Litas) with associated text; 'KAINAS 1922 m. LAPKR. 16 d.' (Date: 1922, November 16); Serial number 929507 with series letter designations S and P. BACK: 'LIETUVOS BANKO' (of the Bank of Lithuania) appears vertically on both sides; 'VIENAS LITAS' (One Litas) is repeated. Additional Lithuanian text appears partially legible in the design but is difficult to fully resolve from the image reproduction.

Intaglio engraving (line engraving/copperplate), evidenced by the fine line work, ornate borders, and deep impression characteristic of early 20th-century banknote production. The security features include complex geometric and decorative engraved patterns, fine line rendering, and use of blue-colored ink for serial number differentiation. Likely printed by a European security printer specializing in currency production during the 1920s, though specific printer attribution would require additional research of Lithuanian Bankas archival records.

This note is identified as series R based on the collector notes provided. The PMG population report indicates two catalogued variants exist for Pick P-13 (P-13a and P-13s3), suggesting minor varieties exist within this denomination. The serial number 929507 with series letter designation places this within the documented production range. Without access to specialized Lithuanian banknote references detailing all variety characteristics (signature varieties, prefix varieties, or overprint distinctions), the specific variety classification beyond the series R designation cannot be conclusively determined from the visual analysis alone. Further research into Lietuvos Bankas production records would be required to confirm if this note represents P-13a or another identified variant.