January 13, 2011 – Lawyer Sergej Seredenko labeled as civil rights activist by Russian media informed the Russian ambassador in Tallinn that the map on the national reverse of the new Euro coins designed by the Estonian graphic artist Lembit Löhmus would occupy regions, which were formerly part of Estonia and are now part of Russia.
The controversial map. Photo: Wikipedia.
Due to the fact that there does not exist a formal treaty on the boundary line his statement caused an exchange of diplomatic notes.
The spokesman of the Estonian Central Bank informed that the reverse design should be taken as an artistic product not as a geographically correct map.
Map of Estonia: Source: Wikipedia.
The spokesman of the Russian embassy remarked: “We are taking the view that in international affairs the fantasies of an artist are not acceptable concerning such fundamental issues like the course of a border.”
We will see, whether Estonia feels prompted to change its map on the next issue of Euros.
If you want to read more about the dispute, click here.