Křesťanské symboly na nejranějších mincích litevského velkoknížectví - mezi Východem a Západem

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EN[...] Christian symbols on coins were typical of all mediaeval European states. These symbols took hold in the early mediaeval ages, when Christianity gained spread in Europe. The cross was the most prevalent; various holy or biblical animals, mainly an eagle and a lion, were also represented. In the course of time, part of the religious symbols became heraldic and served as personal and state signs. The Grand Duchy of Lithuania was not different from other Christian states, and the same principles of the development of symbols were retained. However, because of the belated conversion of the state, symbols on coins changed rapidly.The symbols of Christianity represented on the earliest coins of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania did not become state symbols, as they did in many European states, but were used in the rulers’ personal coats of arms. The Christian symbols on the coins of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania were mostly related with the ruler. They showed that the ruler had been appointed and protected by the highest saints - Jesus Christ, the Blessed Virgin Mary, or the Holy Trinity. This concept is clearly reflected in the rulers’ seals of that time, which always bear the Latin inscription "Dei Gratia" (From the grace of God) next to the ruler’s name. It was impossible to make this kind of inscription on the earliest coins of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, because they were very small. However, the Christian symbols represented on these coins show that important changes had taken place in the state. [...].