"While our University is young, it has mature traditions and is continuing them. Born in the spring of the first Independence of the Republic of Lithuania, it served education, science and culture in Lithuania, while the peculiarity of the re-established University is its ability to organise studies, scientific research, University life differently," said professor Zigmas Lydeka, Rector of Vytautas Magnus University during the coin's presentation event.
"The words ARTES LIBERALES ("liberal arts"), struck on the coin dedicated to the re-establishment of the University, do reflect the Rector's mentioned ability of the University to organise studies differently – based on the principles of a classical university, in order to develop critical thinking of young people and formulate liberal attitudes," stated professor Raimondas Kuodis, Deputy Chairman of the Board of the Bank of Lithuania.
Vytautas Magnus University was reborn in 1989 and is continuing the traditions of Lithuania's University established as far back as in 1922. Since its re-establishment VMU has been guided by the values of openness, dialogue and tolerance, and based on the experience of Western universities.
On the reverse of the silver coin dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the re-establishment of Vytautas Magnus University the artist Rolandas Rimkunas artistically frames the inscription ARTES LIBERALES against the background of a composition of fragments of an open book and an outspread globe; on the edge of the coin, UNIVERSITAS VYTAUTI MAGNI is inscribed. The plaster model of the coin was created by Giedrius Paulauskis, while the text for the brochure of the coin was written by professor Jonas Vaicenonis.
The coins were minted at the state enterprise Lithuanian Mint. The mintage is 3,000 pieces.
The coin dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the re-establishment of Vytautas Magnus University is already the 85th collectors (commemorative) coin issued by the Bank of Lithuania.
