To celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Bank of Latvia, as well as the anniversary of the national currency, the Bank of Latvia has released a new silver commemorative coin whose is identical to the design of perhaps the most famous and beloved Latvian coin of all time – the silver 5 Lati coin.

Originally minted in 1929, 1931 and 1932, the 5 lati coin, with its iconic image of a Latvian maiden on the reverse, became a treasured heirloom during the time of Soviet occupation. The image of maiden, based upon Zelma Brauere (who was a proofreader at the State Securities Printing House), was designed by graphic artist Rihards Zariņš, and the Latvian coat of arms on the obverse was based on the design by Vilhelms Krūmiņš.

Also, in 2003, as part of the series ‘The Smallest Gold Coins in the World’, the Bank of Latvia released a gold coin using the design of the original silver 5 lati coin.

Unlike the original minting of the coin, which was 83.5% silver, this new release is 92.5% silver. The coin has a face value of 5 lati and was minted by the Royal Mint in the United Kingdom. The coin can be purchased at offices of the Bank of Latvia, as well as numismatic shops in Latvia.

For further information, please visit the Bank of Latvia website at www.bank.lv