Discover the Unique Charm of Latvia's 1 Lats Coin Collection
Latvia 1 Lats coins in a holder
When it comes to numismatics, few collections can boast the charm and cultural significance of Latvia's 1 Lats coins. These coins, which were issued from 1992 until Latvia's transition to the euro in 2014, are not just pieces of currency but miniature works of art that capture the essence of Latvian heritage, culture, and nature. Let's take a closer look at the fascinating designs and the stories behind them.
The History of the 1 Lats Coin
After regaining independence in 1991, Latvia reintroduced its national currency, the lats, in 1993. The 1 Lats coin quickly became a symbol of national pride, with each design offering a glimpse into the country's rich history and natural beauty. These coins were not only a medium of exchange but also commemorative pieces that are cherished by collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.
The Designs and Their Significance
Below is a comprehensive list of all the 1 Lats coin designs, along with some meaning behind the coins:
1992. Salmon - A salmon, symbolizing Latvia's abundant waterways and fishing industry. It is the first 1 Lats coin to be released when gaining independence.
2001: Stork - The stork is a symbol of good fortune and prosperity in Latvian folklore. In summers this bird can be found almost everywhere in Latvia.
2003: Ant - An ant, symbolizing hard work and community. Widely used in songs, foltales and other works of art.
2004: Spriditis - A famous folktale in Latvia symbolizing hard work and longing to return to one's roots. This design was dedicated to Latvia's accession to the European Union.
2004: Mushroom - Symbol of latvia forest riches. Each autumn many forests are full by Latvians who are picking mushrooms.
2005: Rooster of St. Peter's Church - Church roosters are one of the landmarks of Riga's skyline, which every visitor to the city notices. The rooster is associated with the crafts characteristic of Riga, the singing of the day, and the beginning of knowledge on the cover of the alphabet.
2005: Pretzel - Uniting the countryside and cities of Latvia, evoking associations related to the sign of infinity and at the same time a real symbol of the holiday, based on masterful work
2006: Ligo Wreath - Midsummer is an ancient holiday that Latvians celebrate all night long with cheerful songs and dances. A big role in Midsummer is dedicated to Midsummer herbs, which were also used in wreaths, which, like Midsummer cheese and Midsummer fire, symbolize the sun. Oak wreaths were given to the boys and the host. Wreath-twirling in St. John's Day is a living tradition, as well as bowing in country houses, so it is not for nothing that we see a thick wreath of oak leaves on the head of a bower - perhaps John himself - on the coin.
2006: Pine Cone - Dedicated to the winter solstice, the cone symbolizes fertility, creation, creativity, new beginnings. We put a seed in the ground and it reaches for the sky.
2007: Snowman - In Western cultures of the Northern Hemisphere, the snowman is a symbol of Christmas and winter, often featured on Christmas greeting cards. The beginnings of the tradition of making snowmen can be traced back to the Middle Ages in the streets of European cities. Melting snow is a prerequisite for this process. There are many methods developed over the years in decorating a snowman, usually using a carrot or a piece of wood for the nose, coal for the eyes, pebbles or twigs for the buttons, and putting a cane, stick or broom in the hands. A bucket or a pot often becomes a head covering, sometimes one's own cloths are also used.
2007: Owl Fibula - An owl brooch is a clip for fastening men's outerwear, it is one of the oldest and most expressive ornaments of white tribes men, according to the Rothkalians, it was also called the polar star in the past. Large, silver-plated owl brooches were common in the territory inhabited by white tribes (Latgals, Zemgals and Kurs) in the second half of the Middle Iron Age (8th and 9th centuries) and were used to fasten men's outerwear. About 30 owls (including 20 Latgali) were found in the territory of present-day Latvia, some also in the territory of present-day Lithuania and Estonia. Their preparation required exceptional craftsmanship and the process was very labor intensive. Owl brooches were found only in the burials of rich people and were considered a prestigious object of their time.
2008: Chimney-sweep - Bringer of happiness, symbol of success - it is, of course, a chimney sweep! The black camisole decorated with shiny buttons, the black top hat and the characteristic tools create an unforgettable image. The chimney is the way through which slag and soot escape from the house. The warmth and safety of every hearth needs a guardian who allows the flames to be bright and friendly. The glare of the power of fire adds a spark of wonder to the fruits of the hard work of the creator of its safe path - the promise of dreams coming true. The face blooms into a smile for everyone who meets the ruler of the roof on their way, and that alone brightens the day. Childhood memories, a fairy tale image, sparks that shine like stars, a story of good thoughts and good deeds.
2008: Waterlily - Similar to the lotus in a cosmic sense, it represents a connection to the universe.
2009: Namejs ring - Namej's ring is one of the most popular imitations of white jewelry. Carvers, archaeologists, and jewelry wearers alike use this term to refer to a particular type of ring. Most often, we see this ring on men's fingers, but women also like to wear it. The originals of the ring were found in the Latgali territories and in the mounds on the banks of the Daugava. The Namei ring is a relatively rare find, as it required, and still does, a careful and skilled goldsmith's work to make it, and presumably the cost was not small either, as the rings were usually made of silver. This type of ring began to be associated with the name of the Zemgali leader Namej in the 20th century. In the 1930s, when two such rings were found in the Daugmale mound and they began to be widely imitated and worn.
2009: Christmas tree - The festive joy associated with saying goodbye to the old year and welcoming the new year also brings with it soulful peace and purification. It makes us united, it makes us care more about everyone who lacked luck. A Christmas tree with sparkles and lighted candles in the branches is a symbol that helps to find a common path to peace, harmony and a good mind.
2010: Toad - Common toad (Bufo bufo) is one of the most common amphibians in Latvia with an important role in the ecosystem, and for thousands of years it has also helped Latvian farmers, because it biologically protects the field harvest from insects and molluscs. Baby toads also eat mosquitoes, so this year is expected to be a good year for them, notes the bank.
2010: Horseshoe (ends pointing upwards)
2010: Horseshoe (ends pointing downwards) - Since ancient times, many peoples around the world consider the horseshoe to be a bringer of good luck and tend to nail it above the door or carry an amulet made in the shape of a horseshoe. Such an opinion was formed in the Middle Ages, when making horseshoes was very expensive and it was a great success to simply find a horseshoe. Happiness is said to be found only when a horseshoe is found, not bought, and only one that has already been worn by the horse. If the horseshoe is attached to the door or threshold of the house, money will come and the house will not be visited by evil forces and thieves, but if it is knocked on the door of the barn, it will ensure that the livestock grows well and gives a profit. Opinions are divided in the world about whether the horseshoe should be attached to the door with the ends up (so that luck does not flow out of the horseshoe) or down (so that luck flows into the home). In Latvian folklore, both one and the other view can be found: if the ends of the horseshoe are pointed up, happiness will come from the sky, if down - from the earth. This time, the special circulation coins are minted in two ways, so that happiness comes to everyone.
2011: Beer mug - The beer cup is one of the symbols of the drinking festival, because beer itself has been brewed and drunk in this country since time immemorial, although nowadays Latvians still lag behind Lithuanians and Estonians in beer drinking. But in a broader perspective, it may seem surprising that beer is the third most common drink in the world after water and tea.
2011: Gingerbread heart - Gingerbread is a unique treat that appeals to almost everyone and creates a festive feeling even when there is no Christmas tree and other attributes characteristic of this holiday nearby. The gingerbread heart is of course the queen of all gingerbreads and not just for Christmas.
2011: Hedgehog - The hedgehog is a beloved inhabitant and guest of the country houses and even city yards, which also has its place in Latvian folklore, literature and mythology. The belief says that you should carry one hedgehog needle everywhere, stuck in a skirt or a glove, then it will always be good. Mitigating threats to the hedgehog's fur, a wallet-friendly talisman has been forged for luck and prosperity
2012: Bells - Bells, both as a sound instrument and as a decoration, have long had a place in the Christmas traditions of European nations. Next to the gingerbread heart, which came to the one-leaf clover a year ago, the bells are one of the traditional symbols of festive joy in Latvia
2010: Kokle - The sounds of the kokle unite with the neighboring peoples, because the kokle is an ancient musical instrument of Baltic origin, borrowed by the Finno-Ugric tribes living nearby (for example, the Libyan kandla, the Finnish kantele, the Estonian kannel) and the Slavic tribes (Russian gusli).
For centuries, the sounds of kokle have united the regions of Latvia. The Kurzeme kokle and the Latgale kokle are also played in Vidzeme, the features of the Latgale kokle are sometimes added to the Kurzeme kokle in Selia
2013: Parity coin - The image of the "Parity Coin" is chosen as a symbolic tree trunk that connects branches and roots, earth and sky and is a path to new events, dreams and opportunities. The reverse of the new 1 lats coin shows the number "1", which forms a symmetrical image and is part of the inscription "1 LATS" and "1.42 EUROS".
Collecting Latvia's 1 Lats Coins
Each 1 Lats coin is a testament to Latvia’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Collectors around the world prize these coins for their intricate designs and the stories they tell. Whether you are a seasoned numismatist or a new collector, Latvia’s 1 Lats coins offer a unique glimpse into the country’s soul, making them a valuable addition to any collection.
Conclusion
Latvia's 1 Lats coin collection is more than just currency; it is a celebration of the nation's heritage, traditions, and natural wonders. Each coin captures a piece of Latvia’s identity, making this collection a cherished memento of the country's journey through time. Whether for their historical value or their artistic merit, these coins continue to be a source of pride and fascination.
So, next time you come across a 1 Lats coin, take a moment to appreciate the story it tells and the heritage it represents.
Here it’s possible to purchase a coin holder for the 1 Lats coins (and more) so that you can display the coins with style.
