Latvia 2021 numismatic program – “De iure recognition of Latvia”

Last update 04/15/2021

On Wednesday, 20 January, Latvijas Banka will issue a 2 euro commemorative coin dedicated to the 100th anniversary of de iure recognition of the Republic of Latvia.

The new 2 euro commemorative coins, both individual coins and coins in rolls, will be temporarily unavailable for circulation.

Once the situation stabilises, Latvijas Banka will put into circulation a total of 400 000 coins, and the public will be notified thereof in a timely manner.

History of Latvia Recognition

World War I brought fundamental changes to the political map of Europe. Several new states were established, including the Republic of Latvia which was proclaimed in Riga on 18 November 1918. This date is embedded in the nation’s historical consciousness as Latvia’s birthday. However, the War of Independence continued in Latvia.

In 1920, the Latvian Government gained full control over the entire territory of Latvia. From then on, intensive diplomatic efforts to attain Latvia’s international de iure recognition were launched.

On 26 January 1921, at 5 p.m., the Supreme Council of Allied Powers notified the Latvian delegation that Latvia had received the international de iure recognition.

This granted Latvia the status of a subject of international law and opened the door for Latvia to enter the League of Nations. Latvians have always remained united by their sense of nationhood, love for their homeland, and the national anthem “God Bless Latvia!”, and during the years of the Soviet and Nazi occupation the legal continuity of the Latvian State was preserved by Latvia’s diplomats in the Western countries.

The restoration of Latvia’s independence and further strengthening of Latvia’s statehood is an achievement confirming that Latvia’s de iure recognition is irrevocable.

€2 commemorative coin specifications

The author of the graphic design of the national side of the new commemorative coin is artist Zane Ernštreite.

The author of the common side of the coin is artist Luc Luycx, and the material and size of the coin are the same as those of other 2 euro circulation coins.

The Brilliant Uncirculated coin’s (BU in coincard) total mintage is 5 000 coins.

Reverse:

The national side of the commemorative coin bears the inscription “100 LATVIJA DE IURE” as well as the year of issue (2021). At the same time, the inscription “Latvija” also indicates the country of issue.

Edge:

The edge of the coin, like all other 2 euro circulation coins of the Republic of Latvia, features the inscription “DIEVS * SVĒTĪ * LATVIJU *” (God bless Latvia).

The new 2 euro coin has been minted by Staatliche Münze Baden-Württemberg (Germany).

“Latvia de iure 100” will be the only 2 euro commemorative coin issued by Latvijas Banka this year.

2021 BU coin set

The souvenir set “Latvia de iure 100” contains the euro circulation coins issued in 2021 whose nominal value ranges between 1 cent and 2 euro, including the new 2 euro commemorative coin.

7 000 coin sets wille be released.

NB: Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the new numismatic products will not be available at the Cashier’s Offices of Latvijas Banka. For the time being, the coins purchased on the website e-monetas.lv will be delivered by post only.

Other coins planned for 2021

On 04/15/2021, the Central Bank of Latvia specified the other issues that will be planned in the 2021 annual program. 5 coins for collectors will be issued in 2021.

• a gold coin “key coin”
• a coin dedicated to marriage
• a coin dedicated to luck
• a coin dedicated to the theme of exploration
• a last coin whose theme has not yet been revealed

Sources: Bank of Latvia and NUMISMAG.