5 centai 1922

Common. eBay auction data shows consistent sales across multiple condition grades (VG to F range) with modest prices ($24.50-$120.50), and 2016 catalog values cap at $150 for UNC examples. The 1922 5 centai was part of Lithuania's standard currency circulation and appears with reasonable frequency in the numismatic market. No evidence of limited print runs or recall status that would elevate scarcity.

Issued on September 10, 1922, this banknote represents Lithuania's transition to independent monetary sovereignty following World War I and the collapse of Russian Imperial rule. The classical allegorical imagery on the reverse—depicting female figures representing virtues such as Liberty or Justice—reflects the optimistic symbolism of a newly formed nation. The designation as 'LAIKINASIS BANKNOTAS' (Temporary Banknote) indicates this was part of an interim currency series during Lithuania's early years of financial institution-building.

The obverse features a landscape or architectural scene in the center, partially obscured by a dense wave-pattern security background, with ornamental corner decorations in the upper left and right. The reverse displays an ornate, symmetrical design dominated by a circular medallion containing two classical allegorical female figures representing civic virtues or national ideals. An elaborate geometric border with interlocking patterns frames both sides, with denomination numerals displayed in all four corners and center of the reverse. The color scheme combines teal-green with cream and beige tones, typical of early 20th-century Lithuanian banknote design.

Front: '5' (denomination), 'centai' (centai/cents), '1919 m.' (year 1919, likely referring to independence), 'LIETUVOS BANKAS' (Lithuanian Bank). Back: 'LIETUVOS BANKO LAIKINASIS BANKNOTAS' (Temporary Banknote of the Lithuanian Bank), 'DENKI CENTAI' (Five Centai), '5' (denomination in corners and center).

Intaglio engraving, evidenced by the fine detail in the geometric borders, the crisp portrayal of the allegorical figures, and the precision of the wave-pattern security background. The printer for this specific Pick-2 issue has not been definitively identified in standard catalogs, though Lithuanian banknotes of this period were produced by various European security printers.

This note is cataloged as Pick P-2, representing the 5 centai denomination from the 1922 Lietuvos Bankas series. The visual analysis does not reveal specific variety markers such as signature variations, serial number prefixes, or overprints that would distinguish sub-variants. PMG population data indicates 18 variants exist for this base Pick number across different denominations and printers, but the specific variety designation for this 5 centai AU example cannot be definitively established without examination of signatures and serial data.