C U R R E N T  E V E N T S

Lithuanian Banknote Displays Garner Best of Show Awards

Lithuanian numismatics won big at the Michigan State numismatic Society Spring Convention held in Lansing, Michigan on May 1st to the 3rd. A six-case display in the educational exhibits section entitled, "Pre-World War II Litas Banknotes of the Bank of Lithuania" featured a complete set of the Pick 1-28 (catalog identification numbers) litas and centas banknotes, used in Lithuania in the 1920s and 1930s. This included the rare 1922 50 and 100 litu notes, the seldom seen 1924 500 and 1,000 litu denominations, and the 1938 10 litu banknote, which is only known as a "pavyzdys" specimen.

A section of the winning banknote display by Frank Passic. Photo by Frank Passic

This display was awarded "Best of Show" award, and was assembled by Frank Passic, of Albion, Michigan, founder of the Lithuanian Numismatic Association and editor of its publication The Knight. Viewers were impressed with not only the rare never-seen-before complete collection of high-grade Lithuanian bank-notes, but also with the colorful Lithuanian flag colors used in the display. The exhibit was amply filled with Lithuanian history, and concluded with 1938 newspaper headlines illustrating when Poland threatened Lithuania with invasion. Additionally, a photograph from a year later (1939) showed Lithuanian troops entering Vilnius following the defeat of Poland at the start of World War II.

"This collection took me 20 years to assemble, and several months to put together in a display," said Passic, who ironically won the award on the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Lithuanian Numismatic Association (1978). Passic has written The Knight since its beginning 20 years ago. This publication is filled with information about Lithuanian coins, banknotes, medals, tokens, bonds, military orders and decorations, and similar collectibles.

Frank Passic

Passic serves as numismatic curator at the Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture in Chicago, and assembled its numismatic room, which is a popular feature at the museum. He also serves on the board of directors of the Lithuanian-American Genealogical Society at the Museum, and is a member of the Society of Lithuanian Nobles in the United States. In the numismatic world, Passic serves on the board of governors of the Michigan State Numismatic Society, is a member of the American Numismatic Association, and is a certified ANA exhibits judge.

He has written numerous articles about Lithuanian numismatics for over 20 years which, have appeared in the national press. He has also displayed Lithuanian money at numerous coin conventions across the U.S., and has contributed information to Lithuanian listings in numerous numismatic catalogs.

During Lithuania's struggle for freedom in the late 1980s, Passic kept the numismatic press well informed about new Lithuanian coin and banknote designs, and the intentions to re-establish the litas. Passic has regularly exhibited Lithuanian numismatic material over the past 20 years to promote awareness of Lithuanian, and has won several top honors with his displays of Lithuanian coins and banknotes.

Passic's Lithuanian heritage is through his maternal grandparents. His grandfather, Nikodemas Kulakauskas (1890-1975), came to the United States in 1911 from his home village of Nevardenai, located south of Varniai, Lithuania. This particular Kulakauskas family is recorded in the nobility records in the Lithuanian National Archives, and dates back to the 17th century when family ancestors lived and owned land in the Щlale area. "My grandfather's mother, Julijona Scholastika (Vazgirda/Vosgird -- Mrs. Juozas Kulakauskas) was also from a noble family which lived south of the Varniai area. I am currently researching that aspect," says Passic, who has learned much about Lithuanian history and genealogy through the science of numismatics over the years.

Benjamin Bearman, age 15, won the Junior Best-of-Show at the Michigan State Numismatic Society Spring Convention, May 3rd. Photo by Frank Passic

Another exhibit at the same Michigan Convention entitled " 1991 Щauliai Olympic Banknotes" featured a two-case display of a complete set of the controversial but colorful banknotes. These were issued by the Щauliai Branch of the Bank of Lithuania and the Lithuanian National Olympic Committee held just prior to the coup in Moscow which toppled the Soviet government. Benjamin Bearman won the Junior Best of Show Award for this display. He is 15 years old and Frank Passic's nephew. Both Passic and Ben have been awarded an expense-paid scholarship to the American Numismatic Association Summer School of Numismatics in Colorado Springs, Colorado to be held in July.

This "double whammy" of Lithuanian exhibits winning both the Senior and Junior Best of Show Awards was a highlight to the science of Lithuanian numismatics. The Michigan State Numismatic Society is well-known for its reputation of high-quality numismatic displays in the numismatic world.

Frank Passic is an active numismatic serving numismatic societies and the Balzekas Museum. He is also the editor of The Lithuanian Numismatic Association's publication since 1978. Anyone interested in collecting Lithuanian numismatic items may write to Passic at: Frank Passic, 900 S. Eaton St. Albion, Michigan 49224. A subscription to The Knight is $15.00 for five bimonthly issues by writing: Lithuanian Numismatic Association, P.O. Box 22696, Baltimore, Maryland 21203.