Quick Coinage Facts
Years Minted: 1929, 1931-1932
Composition: 0.8350 silver, 0.165 copper
Diameter Type: 37.00 mm
Weight: 25 grams ( 0.6711 ounces of silver)
Total Series Mintage: 3,600,000
Obverse Design: Bust Design
Reverse Design: Coat of Arms
Unique Features: Lettered Edge
Description
This crown size silver coin is Latvia’s only circulating large silver coin that was minted from 1929 to 1932 for the newly formed Republic of Latvia. Latvia initially gained independence shortly after World War I when they took advantage of the chaos at the end of the war to become a free country on November 18, 1918. Their first taste of independence was short lived however as World War II brought on an occupation by Germany during the War and Russia post World War II. Independence would not be reclaimed until 1991.
The obverse, designed by Rihards Zariņš, features the Latvia coat of arms. Below the design is the year of issue and on the outer periphery are the inscriptions "PIECI" (Latvian for five) the number "5" and denomination "LATI".
The reverse, also designed by Rihards Zariņš, features a bust image of a Latvian maiden facing right wearing a Latvian folk costume. On the outer periphery are the inscriptions LATVIJAS and REPUBLIKA.
The edge of the coin is lettered with the phrase "DIEVS SVETI LATVIJU" or "God Bless Latvia".
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General Market Notes
Considering Latvia endured German occupation during WWII and then 44 years of Soviet occupation it would not be uncommon if few specimens survived but many Latvians disdained the occupation rules of the German and Russians and many secretly held onto the coins as a symbol of freedom allowing for many beautiful examples to be available at affordable prices.