Independent between the two World Wars, Lithuania was annexed by the USSR in 1940. On 11 March 1990, Lithuania became the first of the Soviet republics to declare its independence, but Moscow did not recognize this proclamation until September of 1991 (following the abortive coup in Moscow). The last Russian troops withdrew in 1993. Lithuania subsequently restructured its economy for integration into Western European institutions; it joined both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004. All the coins in this set are in Brilliant Uncirculated condition as released by the Mint. These sets make beautiful and educational gifts for young numismatists and are invaluable in putting the final touches on exceptional school projects.