The design has not changed even though they bear an old version of the coat of arms (the horse's tail looks down instead of up, the knight is leaning forward, and other details).
People usually referred to these coins as "balti centai" (white cents) which has a slightly negative connotation.
The coins were designed by Antanas Žukauskas with the help of Arvydas Každailis in adapting the coat of arms.
The coins were designed by Antanas Žukauskas with the help of Arvydas Každailis in adapting the coat of arms.
The primary reason for the change was that these banknotes were short-lived due to their high use in everyday trade, being subject to wear and tear and needing to be constantly re-printed in foreign countries, while the new coins could be minted domestically at the Lithuanian Mint.