Deutsch
English
Français
Español
Italiano
Nederlands
Português
Slovenčina
Hrvatski
Slovenščina
Lietuvių
Eesti
Български
CC 354 2019
Coincard
BU
Coincard
Latvia · Rising Sun - The Coat of Arms of Latvia
Mintage7,000
Issue price€7.90
Issue date17 Sept 2019
PackagingCoincard
Edge letteringDIEVS ★ SVĒTĪ ★ LATVIJU
Market price€16.00
Issue occasion
The coin is dedicated to the history of the coat of arms of Latvia and the motif of the rising sun. It depicts the rising sun as well as the stylized letters B and L for “Brīvā Latvija” (“free Latvia”), complemented by the inscription “UZLĒCOŠĀ SAULE”. The motif designed by Ansis Cīrulis in 1917 was incorporated into the designs for the new coat of arms of the Republic of Latvia after its founding, and was officially adopted in 1921.
The design
The coin is dedicated to the history of the Latvian state coat of arms and depicts the motif of the rising sun. The motif was originally part of a 1917 design by the artist Ansis Cīrulis for the emblem of independent Latvia. Later, it became one of the basic elements of the present-day Latvian state coat of arms.
Ansis Cīrulis had previously used the motif of the rising sun in designing the insignia of the Latvian Riflemen and in other works. After the founding of the Republic of Latvia in 1918, the motif of the rising sun was incorporated into all designs for the new state coat of arms. The Latvian state coat of arms was officially introduced in 1921.
The motif depicts the rising sun and, in the centre, the stylised letters B and L for the words “Brīvā Latvija” — “free Latvia”. The coin also bears the inscription “UZLĒCOŠĀ SAULE” (Rising Sun), the name of the issuing country “LATVIJA” and the year of issue “2019”.
The twelve stars of the European flag are depicted on the coin’s outer ring.
Ansis Cīrulis had previously used the motif of the rising sun in designing the insignia of the Latvian Riflemen and in other works. After the founding of the Republic of Latvia in 1918, the motif of the rising sun was incorporated into all designs for the new state coat of arms. The Latvian state coat of arms was officially introduced in 1921.
The motif depicts the rising sun and, in the centre, the stylised letters B and L for the words “Brīvā Latvija” — “free Latvia”. The coin also bears the inscription “UZLĒCOŠĀ SAULE” (Rising Sun), the name of the issuing country “LATVIJA” and the year of issue “2019”.
The twelve stars of the European flag are depicted on the coin’s outer ring.
Background on the topic
Ansis Cīrulis (1883–1942) was a Latvian graphic artist, painter and craftsman. He belonged to a generation of artists that developed an independent Latvian visual language, combining traditional ornaments, folk art and contemporary design. Among other things, Cīrulis designed posters, postage stamps, ceramics and interiors. His works contributed to expressing political ideas of Latvian self-determination through readily recognizable visual symbols.
The sun motif emerged in the context of the First World War. From 1915 onwards, Latvian Riflemen units fought mainly against German troops within the army of the Russian Empire. The units had initially been established to defend the Latvian settlement area. At the same time, they became a focal point for the sense of national cohesion. Following the Russian revolutions of 1917 and the collapse of the existing state order, the demand for political independence gained importance. In this context, the rising sun could be understood as a symbol of a newly emerging Latvia.
The Republic was proclaimed in Riga on 18 November 1918. This was followed by the Latvian War of Independence (Lettische Unabhängigkeitskrieg), in which various Latvian, German, Russian and Soviet Russian forces fought for control of the country. Only afterwards could state institutions be established on a permanent basis and national emblems determined.
In the complete coat of arms of Latvia, the sun appears together with other heraldic figures. Three stars symbolize the historical regions of Vidzeme, Latgale, and Kurzeme and Zemgale, with the latter two being represented together. A red lion refers to Kurzeme and Zemgale, while a silver griffin refers to Vidzeme and Latgale. Oak branches and a ribbon in the Latvian national colours complete the composition.
During Soviet rule, this coat of arms was not used as a state emblem. In the course of the restoration of Latvian statehood, it was reintroduced. The 2019 coin issue thus took up an early visual symbol of the Latvian independence movement and at the same time highlighted its development from a political design into an element of state symbolism.
The sun motif emerged in the context of the First World War. From 1915 onwards, Latvian Riflemen units fought mainly against German troops within the army of the Russian Empire. The units had initially been established to defend the Latvian settlement area. At the same time, they became a focal point for the sense of national cohesion. Following the Russian revolutions of 1917 and the collapse of the existing state order, the demand for political independence gained importance. In this context, the rising sun could be understood as a symbol of a newly emerging Latvia.
The Republic was proclaimed in Riga on 18 November 1918. This was followed by the Latvian War of Independence (Lettische Unabhängigkeitskrieg), in which various Latvian, German, Russian and Soviet Russian forces fought for control of the country. Only afterwards could state institutions be established on a permanent basis and national emblems determined.
In the complete coat of arms of Latvia, the sun appears together with other heraldic figures. Three stars symbolize the historical regions of Vidzeme, Latgale, and Kurzeme and Zemgale, with the latter two being represented together. A red lion refers to Kurzeme and Zemgale, while a silver griffin refers to Vidzeme and Latgale. Oak branches and a ribbon in the Latvian national colours complete the composition.
During Soviet rule, this coat of arms was not used as a state emblem. In the course of the restoration of Latvian statehood, it was reintroduced. The 2019 coin issue thus took up an early visual symbol of the Latvian independence movement and at the same time highlighted its development from a political design into an element of state symbolism.