Lithuania is one of the three Baltic republics and a member state of the European Union (EU). It became the 19th member of the Eurozone on January 1, 2015, replacing the litas currency with the euro. Lithuania’s euro coins show the coat of arms of the Republic of Lithuania, Vytis, the country of issuance "LIETUVA" and the year of issuance "2015". The coins also feature the 12 stars of the European flag. They were designed by the sculptor Antanas Žukauskas. Edge-lettering of the €2 coin: LAISVĖ * VIENYBĖ * GEROVĖ * (Freedom * Unity * Well-Being *)