1000 litu 1924
Market Prices
About This Note
This 1000 Litų note from 1924 represents an important early emission from Lithuania's newly established central bank. The note displays the characteristic design elements of interwar Lithuanian currency, featuring the iconic Vytis (mounted knight) coat of arms on the front and allegorical female figures representing state virtues on the reverse, rendered in fine line engraving. In Fair condition, the note shows visible creasing, foxing, and surface wear consistent with circulation use, making it an affordable example of this historically significant denomination for collectors interested in Baltic numismatics.
Common. eBay market data shows this note trading frequently across multiple condition grades, with circulated examples selling for under $12 and even uncirculated specimens in the $35-$200 range in recent sales. The 2016 catalog valuations (VG: $1200, VF: $2300, UNC: $3800) appear inflated relative to actual market activity. The existence of catalog valuations combined with consistent eBay circulation indicates this was a substantial print run for its era with adequate survival rates. Fair condition examples like this are readily available to collectors.
Issued on December 11, 1924, this banknote commemorates Lithuania's early years of independence following World War I and the establishment of the Lietuvos Bankas (Bank of Lithuania) in Kaunas. The Vytis symbol prominently featured on the front represents Lithuanian sovereignty and national identity, while the allegorical figures on the reverse evoke classical ideals of state prosperity and order—imagery reflecting the optimistic aspirations of the newly formed nation during the interwar period.
The front features the Vytis (Grand Duke Gediminas on horseback with a sword raised aloft), Lithuania's national coat of arms, displayed centrally within an ornate circular medallion surrounded by decorative scrollwork and geometric border patterns. The denomination '1000' appears in all four corners in large numerals. The back presents an allegorical scene depicting two classical female personifications—likely representing Liberty and State Prosperity or similar national virtues—positioned at a work surface or table, symbolizing the productive capacity and orderly governance of the new Lithuanian state. Both sides employ extensive decorative geometric and floral motifs in the border frames.
FRONT: 'Lietuvos Bankas' (Bank of Lithuania), 'Tūkstantis Litų' (One Thousand Litu), 'Kaunas' (city of issue), '1924 m.' (Year 1924), 'Gruodžio m.d.' (December, day designation), serial number 'A032358' (appears twice), specification text regarding lita composition. BACK: 'Lietuvos Banko Banknotas' (Lithuanian Bank Banknote), 'Tūkstantis Litų' (One Thousand Litu), denomination '1000' (appears four times in corners), legal statute text regarding banknote guarantee and penalties for counterfeiting ('Banknotu Padireimas' and 'Ištatymu Baudziamas').
Line engraving (intaglio process), as evidenced by the fine detail work visible in the allegorical figures, the Vytis medallion, and the complex geometric border patterns. According to PMG population data, the P-22a variant was produced by BWC (Banknote World Company or similar security printer). The note exhibits the hallmark characteristics of interwar European banknote production using traditional engraved plates.
Pick catalog P-22a with printer BWC identified. Serial number A032358 observed in red ink. The note is dated 11.12.1924 (December 11, 1924) as specified in the official issue documentation. No overprints or unusual varieties are evident from the visual analysis. This represents a standard issue from the initial 1924 emission of the 1000 Litų denomination.
