This early post-Soviet Lithuanian banknote represents the 5th denomination of the Second Talonas (1992). The term "talonas" is the Lithuanian word for coupon. As Lithuania initially intended to used them as temporary coupon currency, similar to the Georgian Kuponi. Until a long-term national currency could be introduced. (SEE: A Brief History of the Talonas)
During their brief circulation they were occasionally called "zoologijos sodo bilietai" or "Zoo Tickets". As the majority of Talonas notes featured the wildlife of Lithuania. With the exception of the smaller First Talonas denominations, which resemble actual coupons. This particular banknote features European Roe Deer.
Observe
The observe is relatively simple and can be divided into 2 sections. The 1st section to the right features an illustration of a male and female Roe Deer. Which is a wide spread species throughout much of Europe and the former Soviet Caucus. Behind this illustration is a multi-layer underprint, in light reddish-pink ink. It feature rows of thin waving vertical dark pink lines, overlaid over a honey comb mesh. The number "200", represents the note's 200 Talonas value.
The 2nd section to the left is relatively sparse. It features a red serial number (OC025255) at the upper left corner. Below is an unprinted watermark area, followed by an additional number "200".
Reverse
The reverse features the note's "200" Talonas value overlaid, on a bundle of Reindeer Lichen. This moss-like species is favorite among deer, living in the Northern European alpine woodlands and tundra. This species has a number of niche uses, such as a favoring to Nordic Akvavit (traditional sprit). In addition to medicinal uses by Siberian and Native Alaskans. Such as the Alaskan Denaʼina, who make a tea for stomach aliments.
Similar to the observe, the reverse features a underprint with dark pink waving lines. Although lacks the the observe's "honey comb" pattern. Notably the beforementioned number "200" features inner and outer outlines. Additionally this section features a sets of text. The upper text reads "Republic Of Lithuania - Talonas", referring to the newly sovereign nation and currency. The lower text roughly translates to "Forgery is punishable by law".
The final section to the far right is relatively simple, featuring no underprint. At its top is the print date (1992), followed by the Coat of Arms of Lithuania, and number "200". Which simply symbolizing the notes 200 Talonas value.
A Brief History of the Talonas
The Talonas currency was divided into 2 series, the First (1991) and Second (1992-93). The First Talonas series of banknotes were introduced as a temporary currency. During independent Lithuania's efforts to disassociate itself from the Soviet Ruble and the Soviet Union (1922-1991). As dependency on the hyperinflated Soviet Ruble, made pricing for everyday goods and services difficult.
The First Talonas was 5 August 1991, under the orders of Prime Minster Gediminas Vagnorius (1957-20xx). The system was unorthodox, Lithuanian salaries were paid in Soviet Rubles. While 20% of the salary was paid in First Talonas, up to 200 Talonas. Notably these banknotes lacked an officially named subdivision, instead using a simple decimal value.
In theory, Talonas banknotes were equally valued to the former Soviet Ruble. Purchases involving Talonas were equally unorthodox, as they had to be double paid. An item's or service's posted price had to be paid in an equal amount of Soviet Rubles and First Talonas. Although due to salary payments in 20% First Talonas, met equal Ruble-Talonas payments were impractical.
This was due to design, as it would force consumers to retain 80% their salary in savings. It forced the prices of expensive goods to drop, due lack of consumers. As consumers would require multiple pay-cycles to acquire enough Talonas for these purchases. Although due to new Russian monetary restrictions and delays in adopting a new long-term currency. The inflationary problem was not confronted as originally intended.
The Second Talonas was introduced on 1 May 1992, as a second temporary solution. As inflation was greater in post-Soviet Russia, than in Lithuania. The Second Talonas was introduced as a true parallel currency, unlike the First Talonas. Thus allowing the Lithuanian government to counter some effects of hyperinflation.
To the degree the Ruble was outright abandoned, in 1 October 1992. Allowing the Talonas to become the sole currency of Lithuania. On 25 June 1993, the Talonas was replaced by the Litas, at a rate of 100 Talonas to 1 Litas. Which in turn was replaced by the Euro, on 1 January 2015.
Second Talonas Gallery
(Gallery contains all banknotes of the Second Talonas series)
Variant Gallery
(Gallery is used for quick variant comparison)
Additional Notes
This notes dimensions are 115 x 63mm or 4.53 x 2.48 in, smaller than a standard US Dollar.
The Litas was replaced by the Euro, at a rate of 3.4528 Litas to 1 Euro.
No coins were minted for either the First or Second Talonas currency.
Alternate names for Roe Deer include Roebuck, Western Roe Deer, and simply Roe.
Swedish environmentalist are exploring using Reindeer Lichen for fire management.