Latvia

The small coat of arms of the Republic of Latvia.

Observations: Not minted in 2017

The small coat of arms of the Republic of Latvia.

Observations: Not minted in 2017

The small coat of arms of the Republic of Latvia.

Observations: Not minted in 2017

The large coat of arms of the Republic of Latvia.

Observations: Not minted in 2017

The large coat of arms of the Republic of Latvia.

Observations: Not minted in 2017

The large coat of arms of the Republic of Latvia.

Observations: Not minted in 2017

A Latvian maiden, originally depicted on the reverse of the 5 lats silver coin in 1929.

Observations: Not minted in 2017

A Latvian maiden, originally depicted on the reverse of the 5 lats silver coin in 1929.

Observations: Not minted in 2017

It was on 26 January 1921 when Latvian diplomats had succeeded in accomplishing a momentous task – the world’s great powers recognized Latvia de iure. Although Latvia declared its independence on 18 November 1918, only after a confused period of fighting, the new nation was recognized in 1920.

The design depicts an artistic inscription ‘100 Latvija de iure 2021’ thus also featuring the country name (LATVIJA) as well as the year of issue (2021).

The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.

The coin is dedicated to the Latgalian pottery. The traditional pottery established itself for substantial periods of time in two districts, Latgale and Kurzeme, but only in Latgale it has survived throughout the times and passed over to the next generations. The Latgalian pottery is included also in the Latvian Culture Canon. The design depicts a characteristic piece of Latgalian ceramics – clay candelabrum. It bears an inscription “LATGALES KERAMIKA” (Latgalian ceramics), the country name “LATVIJA” as well as the year of issuance “2020”.

The coin is dedicated to the history of the Coat of arms of Latvia and features the motif of a rising sun. This motif was originally part of the design proposal for the symbol of the autonomous Latvia, created by artist Ansis Cīrulis in 1917. Later on this motif emerged as one of the basic elements of the Coat of arms of Latvia. The motif of a rising sun has also been used by artist Ansis Cīrulis before, in the design of the Latvian riflemen’s badge and his other artworks. After the foundation of the Republic of Latvia in 1918 variations of the motif of a rising sun appeared in all design proposals for the Coat of arms of the new State. The Coat of arms of Latvia was officially adopted in 1921. The design shows the motif of the rising sun, with stylised letters B and L (an abbreviation from the words ‘Brīvā Latvija’ (Free Latvia)) in the centre. It also bears an inscription ‘UZLECOŠĀ SAULE’ (The rising sun), the name of the issuing country ‘LATVIJA’ and the year of issuance ‘2019’. The coin’s outer ring bears the 12 stars of the European flag.

The three baltic States are symbolically represented as a braid. They are united by their history: a common past, present and future.A stylized numeral representing the 100th anniversary, and the heraldic signs of all three States, are featured as well. At the left side is the name of the issuing country "LATVIJA" and at the right side is the year of issuance "2018". The design was selected by public voting in all three Baltic countries. The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.

The design shows the coat of arms of the region of Zemgale. At the top, the name of the issuing country "LATVIJA" and at the bottom the inscription "ZEMGALE". At the right hand side, the year of issuance "2018". The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.

The design shows the coat of arms of the region of Kurzeme. At the top, the name of the issuing country "LATVIJA" and at the bottom the inscription "KURZEME". At the right hand side, the year of issuance "2017". The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.

The design shows the coat of arms of the region of Latgale. At the top, the name of the issuing country "LATVIJA" and at the bottom the inscription "LATGALE". At the right hand side, the year of issuance "2017". The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.

The designs shows a Latvian brown cow which is one of the symbols of Latvian dairy farming both in folklore and in life. Underneath the design, at the left side there is the inscription of the year of issuance "2016" and at the bottom of the inner circle the name of the issuing country "LATVIJA".

The national face features St Martin of Tours sharing his cloak with a poor man. The design is surrounded by the inscriptions "GIUBILEO DELLA MISERICORDIA" at the left and "CITTA DEL VATICANO" at the right, both in semi-circle. At the right there is as well the year of issuance "2016" and at the bottom the mint mark "R" and the name of the artist "M. CRISCIOTTI".

From mid-April to the end of August, Latvia's country landscape is dotted with nests of the white stork (Ciconia ciconia), and during this period people are used to listening to the sounds of bill clattering and to seeing these lanky-bodied birds in the vicinity of ponds and rivers. The black stork (Ciconia nigra), on the other hand, is a widespread yet uncommon bird, seen rarely in marshy areas or inland waters hidden in ancient forest tracts. Most of the white and black stork population nests in Europe. As their current species and habitat conservation status is inadequate, these species are distinguished by the European Parliament and Council Directive as requiring special protection measures to ensure their survival and breeding.

The design shows the official logo of the Latvian Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The logo is complemented by the lettering LATVIJAS prezidentūra ES Padomē ("LATVIAN PRESIDENCY OF THE COUNCIL OF THE EU") and the website of the Presidency "EU2015.LV". The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.

Common issue

Twelve stars that morph into human figures are embracing the birth of a new Europe. The design shows the EU flag as a symbol that unites people and cultures with shared visions and ideals for a better common future.

The central image of the coin shows the skyline of Riga and the historic centre of the city that has been included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. At the top of the image, is the inscription 'EIROPAS KULTURAS GALVASPILSETA' (European capital of culture) and at the bottom the name of the celebrated city and the year of issuance 'RIGA – 2014', and underneath is the initials of the issuing country 'LV'. The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.