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"The work by Justas Petrulis symbolizes the common past, present and future of the Baltic states intertwined in a single plait," the Bank of Latvia said.

The design by Petrulis received most votes in the public survey in which six coin designs were offered for a vote (two from each Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia). Over 14,000 people from all over the world participated in the vote but the vast majority of votes (93 %) came from the Baltic states. In total, 4,277 votes were cast for the work by the young Lithuanian designer Justas Petrulis.

Now the practical procedures, including harmonization of the coin designs at the European Union institutions, will be commenced to mint the coin.

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Latvian and Estonian states and the 100th anniversary of the re-establishment of the Lithuanian statehood, the central banks of the three Baltic states plan to issue a 2 euro commemorative coin with a common design in early 2018. This coin will remind the population of the Baltic states and elsewhere in the euro area of the determination of the Baltic nations to defend their independence. The coin is also a testimony of the unity of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia and their readiness to cooperate for the sake of their independence and freedom.

This is the first common 2 euro commemorative coin of the Baltic states. Moreover, it has been created through the involvement of artists and the public of the three countries. As is the case with other 2 euro commemorative coins, the coins of this issue will be valid for settlement across the euro area. The coins will have an identical national side design selected via the public vote, while the name of the issuing country will represent the only difference.