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"langCode": "en",
"exhibitTitle": "Money and art",
"authorPictureDescriptionText": "Veidotās Latvijas bankas latu monētas",
"readMore": "Lasīt tālāk",
"nothingFound": "Pēc izvēlētajiem parametriem nekas netika atrasts!",
"loading3d": "Ielādē 3D projekciju…",
"artists": "Mākslinieki",
"coinPopup": {
"metal": "Metal:",
"quality": "Quality:",
"date": "Date:",
"nominal": "Nominal:",
"weight": "Weight:",
"diameter": "Diameter:"
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"categories": [
{
"title": "Commemorative coins",
"id": "1",
"contentTitle": "Commemorative coins",
"text": "Money in form, commemorative coins are in fact works of art recording the highlights in the life of a nation. Such coins are usually made of gold, silver and other precious metals of especially fine grade. As opposed to currency in circulation, commemorative coins are usually not intended for use as a means of payment, but as a gift or collector's item. As a result, commemorative coin prices are considerably higher than their nominal value.",
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{
"title": "National coin programs",
"id": "2",
"text": "National coin programs\nCommemorative coins are struck within the framework of national coin programmes commemorating a highlight in the life of a nation or as dedication to some specific theme. The Coin Design Commission takes active part in choosing a theme, also taking the public opinion into account.The first Latvian commemorative coins were issued to mark the 75th Anniversary of the Republic of Latvia. The most significant coin programs are related to the 800th Anniversary of Riga (8 coins), the history and regions of Latvia, as well as the basic values and spiritual minds of its nation (12 coins).",
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"categories": [
{
"title": "75th Anniversary of the Republic of Latvia",
"id": "3",
"text": "75th Anniversary of the Republic of Latvia\nThe first series of Latvian commemorative coins issued in November 1993 (in denominations of 2, 10 and 100 lats) and dedicated to the 75th Anniversary of the Republic of Latvia had a special place in the restoration of the lats. The coins are made of gold (100 lats), silver (10 lats) and cupro-nickel (2 lats).Latvia was proclaimed on November 18, 1918, with World War I still in progress. November 18 was a milestone; on that date, the dream of independent Latvia became reality never to be erased from the nation's consciousness.",
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{
"id": "4",
"name": "2-lats Commemorative Coin",
"nominal": "2 lats",
"weight": "6.00 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "24.35 mm",
"metal": "cupro-nickel",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "1993",
"longDate": "1993 by Rahapaja Oy (Finland)",
"image": "IMG/content/4/1.01_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/4/1.01.png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Aivars Krūklis (graphic design) and Edgars Grīnfelds (plaster model)\nObverse
The large coat of arms of the Republic of Latvia is placed in the centre. The inscriptions LATVIJAS and REPUBLIKA, each arranged in a semicircle, are above and beneath the central motif, respectively.\nReverse
The reverse is horizontally divided into two parts. An ethnographic motif on the background of seven horizontal lines is centered in the upper part. The numeral 2, with the inscription LATI (lats) beneath it, is placed on the right side of the lower part; the years 1918 and 1993 are inscribed on the left side along the edge of the coin.\nEdge. Two inscriptions LATVIJAS VALSTS 75 GADI (the 75th anniversary of the state of Latvia), separated by rhombic dots.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Aivars Krūklis",
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{
"id": "5",
"name": "10-lats Commemorative Coin",
"nominal": "10 lats",
"weight": "25.175 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "36.07 mm",
"metal": "silver, fineness .925",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "1993",
"longDate": "1993 by Rahapaja Oy (Finland)",
"image": "IMG/content/5/1.01.b_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/5/1.01.b.png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Aivars Krūklis (graphic design) and Edgars Grīnfelds (plaster model)\nObverse
The large coat of arms of the Republic of Latvia is placed in the centre. The inscriptions LATVIJAS and REPUBLIKA, each arranged in a semicircle, are above and beneath the central motif, respectively.\nReverse
The reverse is horizontally divided into two parts. An ethnographic motif on the background of seven horizontal lines is centered in the upper part. The numeral 10, with the inscription LATU (lats) beneath it, is placed on the right side of the lower part; the years 1918 and 1993 are inscribed on the left side along the edge of the coin.\nEdge. Two inscriptions LATVIJAS VALSTS 75 GADI (the 75th anniversary of the state of Latvia), separated by rhombic dots.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Aivars Krūklis",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]rtists: Aivars Krūklis (graphic design) and Edgars Grīnfelds"
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{
"id": "6",
"name": "100-lats Commemorative Coin",
"nominal": "100 lats",
"weight": "13.338 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "27.00 mm",
"metal": "gold, fineness .583.3 (14 carats)",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "1993",
"longDate": "1993 by Rahapaja Oy (Finland)",
"image": "IMG/content/6/1.01c_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/6/1.01c.png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Aivars Krūklis (graphic design) and Edgars Grīnfelds (plaster model)\nObverse
The large coat of arms of the Republic of Latvia is placed in the centre. The inscriptions LATVIJAS and REPUBLIKA, each arranged in a semicircle, are above and beneath the central motif, respectively.\nReverse
The reverse is horizontally divided into two parts. An ethnographic motif on the background of seven horizontal lines is centered in the upper part. The numeral 100, with the inscription LATU (lats) beneath it, is placed on the right side of the lower part; the years 1918 and 1993 are inscribed on the left side along the edge of the coin.\nEdge. Two inscriptions LATVIJAS VALSTS 75 GADI (the 75th anniversary of the state of Latvia), separated by rhombic dots.",
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"plasticAuthor": "[!]Aivars Krūklis",
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]
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{
"title": "Eight Centuries of Riga",
"id": "7",
"text": "Eight Centuries of Riga\nRiga, the capital of Latvia, was founded in 1201. As the city was located at the hub of transit routes, intermittently, it was under German, Polish, Swedish and Russian rule as the neighbouring countries continuously waged wars over the city.The coins' obverses mirror the historic permutations of the city's coat of arms. The symbols of power keep changing: first, the Bishop's sceptre, then the cross of the Livonian Order, then the Swedish crown, the Russia's two -headed eagle. The only element that never disappears from the coat of arms is the pair of keys to the city.The coins' reverses feature symbolic representations of the historic events decisive for Riga.",
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"id": "8",
"name": "Commemorative Coin Dedicated to 13th Century Riga",
"nominal": "10 lats",
"weight": "31.47 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "38.61 mm",
"metal": "silver, fineness .925",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "1996",
"longDate": "1996 (dated 1995) by the Royal Mint (United Kingdom)",
"image": "IMG/content/8/1.02_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/8/1.02.png",
"video": "",
"text": "Commemorative Coin Dedicated to 13th Century Riga\nRiga grew dynamically in the 13th century. The rapid change was driven by Bishop Albert (Albrecht von Buxhövden), the first Bishop of Riga, who arrived in the Baltic from Bremen with 500 German crusaders. His mission was to unite the Baltic tribes in Christianity. Bishop Albert was the official founder of Riga (1201).\nnArtists: Laimonis Šēnbergs, Gunārs Cīlītis (graphic design), Ligita Franckeviča-Ulmane, Jānis Strupulis (plaster model)\nThe coin's reverse portrays a likeness of Riga's founder Bishop Albert with his sceptre. The city's wall with its towers is featured in Riga's first coat of arms (1226) on the coin's obverse. St. Peter's keys represent the protection of Papal curia, and the sceptre capped by a cross, the Bishop's power.",
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"id": "9",
"name": "Commemorative Coin Dedicated to 14th Century Riga",
"nominal": "10 lats",
"weight": "31.47 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "38.61 mm",
"metal": "silver, fineness .925",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "1996",
"longDate": "1996 (dated 1995) by the Royal Mint (United Kingdom)",
"image": "IMG/content/9/1.02.b_m.png",
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"video": "",
"text": "Commemorative Coin Dedicated to 14th Century Riga\nIn the 14th century Riga flourished as an international trading centre and was decreed the central harbour for discharging transit goods, as well as the main intermediary for trade between Eastern and Western Europe. Riga's social and spiritual life was dominated by artisans' brotherhoods and traders' guilds.\nArtists: Laimonis Šēnbergs, Gunārs Cīlītis (graphic design), Ligita Franckeviča-Ulmane, Jānis Strupulis (plaster model)\nThe coin's reverse bears the Great Guild's coat of arms: a golden ship with two keys crossed at the top of the mast, representing overseas trading. The coin's obverse bears the secret seal of the Riga City Council depicting Riga's small coat of arms of 1368, where the city's keys crowned by the Livonian Order's cross have replaced the symbol of the bishop's power of the previous century.\n ",
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"graphicAuthor": "[!]Gunārs Cīlītis (graphic design), Ligita Franckeviča-Ulmane, Jānis Strupulis"
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{
"id": "10",
"name": "Commemorative Coin Dedicated to 15th Century Riga",
"nominal": "10 lats",
"weight": "31.47 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "38.61 mm",
"metal": "silver, fineness .925",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "1996",
"longDate": "1996 by the Royal Mint (United Kingdom)",
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"text": "Commemorative Coin Dedicated to 15th Century Riga\nThe 15th century was characterized by a constant conflict for the authority to rule. As the citizens of Riga were eager to gain independence from the Livonian Order, they made use of the feud between the Livonian Order and the Archbishop of Riga for the right to rule. Trade continued to flourish throughout the 15th century. Latvians established themselves in the trades alongside German merchants and chose their patron saints. From the advent of the century, Riga's most revered saint was St. Christopher, the guardian of ferrymen and fishermen on the river Daugava.\nArtists: Laimonis Šēnbergs, Gunārs Cīlītis (graphic design), Ligita Franckeviča-Ulmane, Jānis Strupulis (plaster model)\nThe coin's reverse shows Lielais Kristaps, Latvia's most celebrated wooden image of St. Christopher, for centuries located on the Daugava's bank. The coin's obverse bears the likeness of a seal with Riga's coat of arms, the city's portal with a roof between two towers. Symbolically, a lion's head under the city's raised gates protects Riga's safety.",
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"id": "11",
"name": "Commemorative Coin Dedicated to 16th Century Riga",
"nominal": "10 lats",
"weight": "31.47 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "38.61 mm",
"metal": "silver, fineness .925",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "1996",
"longDate": "1996 by the Royal Mint (United Kingdom)",
"image": "IMG/content/11/1.02.d_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/11/1.02.d.png",
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"text": "Commemorative Coin Dedicated to 16th Century Riga\nThe 16th century was characterized by wars fought for religious and territorial reasons. The confrontation between Catholicism and Lutheranism ended with the proclamation of religious freedom in Riga. The second half of the 16th century was dominated by the 25-year long Livonian War, which began in 1558. Riga surrendered to the King of Poland only on condition that it could keep its privileges.\nArtists: Laimonis Šēnbergs, Gunārs Cīlītis (graphic design), Ligita Franckeviča-Ulmane, Jānis Strupulis (plaster model)\nThe coin's reverse shows the oldest woodcut depicting Riga's skyline included in Sebastian Münster's book \"Cosmographie\" (1550). Although changed many times, this silhouette serves as Riga's landmark. The coin's obverse features Riga's 16th-century coat of arms supported by two lions.\n ",
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"graphicAuthor": "[!]Gunārs Cīlītis (graphic design), Ligita Franckeviča-Ulmane, Jānis Strupulis"
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"id": "12",
"name": "Commemorative Coin Dedicated to 17th Century Riga",
"nominal": "10 lats",
"weight": "31.47 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "38.61 mm",
"metal": "silver, fineness .925",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "1997",
"longDate": "1997 by the Royal Mint (United Kingdom)",
"image": "IMG/content/12/1.02.e_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/12/1.02.e.png",
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"text": "Commemorative Coin Dedicated to 17th Century Riga\nThe 17th century was characterized by the rule of the Kingdom of Sweden. Due to Riga's economic and strategic importance, the battle for the Baltic became the battle for Riga. The city became one of the most modern 17th century fortresses in Europe. In 1656 the Russian tsar Alexei Mikhailovich encircled the city with troops outnumbering Riga's defenders. In recognition of the courage shown in repelling the Russian attack, King Karl X Gustav of Sweden added an image of his crown to Riga's coat of arms in 1660.\nArtists: Laimonis Šēnbergs, Gunārs Cīlītis (graphic design), Ligita Franckeviča-Ulmane, Jānis Strupulis (plaster model)\nThe coin's reverse features an outline of Riga's fortifications in the first half of the 17th century. On the obverse, Riga's coat of arms from a coin of King Gustav II Adolf's time is depicted.\n ",
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"id": "13",
"name": "Commemorative Coin Dedicated to 18th Century Riga",
"nominal": "10 lats",
"weight": "31.47 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "38.61 mm",
"metal": "silver, fineness .925",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "1997",
"longDate": "1997 by the Royal Mint (United Kingdom)",
"image": "IMG/content/13/1.02.f_m.png",
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"text": "Commemorative Coin Dedicated to 18th Century Riga\nIn the 18th century Riga's economic activity blossomed and the city established itself as Russia's second largest trading port after the Empire's capital, St. Petersburg. Flourishing trade ensured employment for the population. Riga's cityscape evolved as the city was rebuilt after the war. By mid-century, Riga's Council governed from a new City Hall with an ornate facade, which faced Riga's architectural gem: the magnificent Blackheads House.\nArtists: Laimonis Šēnbergs, Gunārs Cīlītis (graphic design), Ligita Franckeviča-Ulmane, Jānis Strupulis (plaster model)\nThe coin's reverse features the Blackheads House, as it was in the 18th century. The obverse shows Riga's coat of arms of the 18th century, which reveals the change of power. In 1723 Riga's Council ruled that lions, the holders of the shield, had to be replaced by Russia's two-headed eagle.\n ",
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"id": "14",
"name": "Commemorative Coin Dedicated to 19th Century Riga",
"nominal": "10 lats",
"weight": "31.47 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "38.61 mm",
"metal": "silver, fineness .925",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "1998",
"longDate": "1998 by the Royal Mint (United Kingdom)",
"image": "IMG/content/14/1.02.g_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/14/1.02.g.png",
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"text": "Commemorative Coin Dedicated to 19th Century Riga\nThe second half of the 19th century saw Riga's transformation into a modern European city. At the turn of the century, the multinational population of Riga amounted to three hundred thousand, and almost half of them were Latvians. Riga became a scientific, educational and cultural centre. The Riga Association of Latvians, established in 1868, was the heart of the cultural and social life of Riga's Latvians. The Association made a contribution to Latvian unity by organizing the First National Song Festival in the summer of 1873.\nArtists: Laimonis Šēnbergs, Gunārs Cīlītis (graphic design), Ligita Franckeviča-Ulmane, Jānis Strupulis (plaster model)\nThe coin's reverse depicts a scene of the festival procession. The obverse features Riga's coat of arms of the 19th century.",
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"plasticAuthor": "[!]Laimonis Šēnbergs, Gunārs Cīlītis",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]Gunārs Cīlītis (graphic design), Ligita Franckeviča-Ulmane, Jānis Strupulis"
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{
"id": "15",
"name": "Commemorative Coin Dedicated to 20th Century Riga",
"nominal": "10 lats",
"weight": "31.47 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "38.61 mm",
"metal": "silver, fineness .925",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "1998",
"longDate": "1998 by the Royal Mint (United Kingdom) Artists: Laimonis Šēnbergs, Gunārs Cīlītis (graphic design), Ligita Franckeviča-Ulmane, Jānis Strupulis (plaster model)",
"image": "IMG/content/15/1.02_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/15/1.02.png",
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"text": "Commemorative Coin Dedicated to 20th Century Riga\nThe fall of the Russian Empire marked the end of the war. On November 18, 1918, the Republic of Latvia was proclaimed. After twenty years of peaceful development, World War II, accompanied by Soviet occupation and deportations, again brought disaster and loss. In 1991, Latvia regained its independence. Riga, once again a capital of a free and independent state, celebrated its 800th anniversary.The Freedom Monument, a masterpiece by the sculptor Kārlis Zāle, built in the very heart of the city in 1935 has become a symbol of Latvia's independence.\nArtists: Laimonis Šēnbergs, Gunārs Cīlītis (graphic design), Ligita Franckeviča-Ulmane, Jānis Strupulis (plaster model)\nThe coin's reverse depicts the statue of Freedom that tops the Monument.The coin's obverse features Riga's 1925 coat of arms, readopted after the restoration of independence.",
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"graphicAuthor": "[!]The coin's reverse depicts the statue of Freedom that tops the Monument.The coin's obverse features Riga's 1925 coat of arms, "
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{
"title": "National Coin Program Latvia. Times and Values",
"id": "16",
"text": "National Coin Program Latvia. Times and Values\nThe Bank of Latvia proceeds with its largest national commemorative coin program Latvia. Times and Values. The programme's twelve coins, grouped in four series, depict Latvia in the European and global context. The aim of the program is to show others what we think our Latvian identity is.The traditional world of Latvians, as poetically recorded in legends, fairy-tales and folksongs, certainly contains the motifs of destiny. Upon the birth of a child, three Latvian deities – Laima, Dēkla and Kārta – decide the path and meaning of its life, keeping a watchful eye over its entire duration. The coins of the series Roots are dedicated to the essential objectives of this divinely predestined life that are its ethical fulfilment.No country in Europe has emerged as a complete, closed and monolith geographic, ethnic and cultural body. The differences between the three parts of Latvia are important for the system of values and the way of reasoning of Latvians. A coin series Time dedicated to the three parts of Latvia was created, using the typical woodcarving features of that time.History does not happen by itself, it is always moved and influenced by people. The third series People of the national commemorative coin program Latvia. Times and Values is dedicated to the spiritual fathers of the Latvian nation – Krišjānis Valdemārs, Krišjānis Barons and Rainis. Each in his own way, these three outstanding figures symbolize the regeneration and evolution of the Latvian nation.State, the fourth series of the program Latvia. Times and Values, tells the story of Latvia rising from obscurity, then suffering through a dark era to re-emerge once again free.",
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"id": "18",
"name": "Commemorative Coin Earth, Series Roots",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "31.47 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "38.61 mm",
"metal": "silver, fineness .925",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "2000",
"longDate": "2000 by Rahapaja Oy (Finland)",
"image": "IMG/content/18/1.03_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/18/1.03.png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Juris Petraškevičs (graphic design) and Ligita Franckeviča (plaster model)\nThe obverse of the coin features fragments of a familiar ornamental pattern, and these mythical roots allow the ornaments to symbolize what once constituted the world of a farmer: the earth, the sky, natural phenomena, the seasonal and diurnal changes. The arrangement of fragments evokes the rhythm of human life and the cyclical character of farm work.\nThe coin's reverse features a stylized representation of the altering contour of the terrain, which evokes the earth as the source of strength and nourishment and shelter, and a threshing barn, which symbolizes the earth's riches. The calmness and power emanating from the arrangement of elements on the coin expresses the proportion and harmony of the Latvian landscape.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Juris Petraškevičs",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]tists: Juris Petraškevičs (graphic design) and Ligita Franckeviča"
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"id": "19",
"name": "Commemorative Coin Heaven, Series Roots",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "31.47 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "38.61 mm",
"metal": "silver, fineness .925",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "2001",
"longDate": "2001 by Rahapaja Oy (Finland)",
"image": "IMG/content/19/1.03_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/19/1.03.png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Juris Petraškevičs (graphic design) and Ligita Franckeviča (plaster model)\nThe heaven, as portrayed in the ancient Latvian mythology, is a scene of action for the powers of Light, a scene for battles fought for righteousness; it is a place where there is no cruelty, no betrayal, and no unresolvable conflicts. The heavenly powers quietly oversee the daily round of a hard-working farmer, subtly urging him to be diligent and orderly in all his endeavours.\nThe coin's reverse features an outline of a woman, which may be an allusion to the orphan girl from the Latvian folklore, the symbol of virtue and the nation's positive outlook.\nThe coin's obverse is composed of ornaments symbolising the constituent parts of the world: the earth, the sky, natural phenomena, the seasonal and diurnal changes.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Juris Petraškevičs",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]tists: Juris Petraškevičs (graphic design) and Ligita Franckeviča"
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{
"id": "20",
"name": "Commemorative Coin Destiny, Series Roots",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "31.47 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "38.61 mm",
"metal": "silver, fineness .925",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "2002",
"longDate": "2002 by Rahapaja Oy (Finland)",
"image": "IMG/content/20/1.03.b_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/20/1.03.b.png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Juris Petraškevičs (graphic design) and Ligita Franckeviča (plaster model)\nThe coin's reverse features a symbolic and archetypal sign – an apple tree, which is set against a background of a stylized landscape. The apple tree connecting heaven and earth, the profane and the sacral stands for the world tree, a core symbol in the mythology of many nations; it is the axis that serves to keep man's life in balance with the familiar forces of the natural world and those impenetrable forces of the underworld. The apple tree stands for the happiness of earthly life granted by the divine powers to the righteous and morally impeccable heroine or hero.\nThe coin's obverse is composed of ornaments symbolising the constituent parts of the world: the earth, the sky, natural phenomena, and the seasonal and diurnal changes.\nIn 2004, the coin received the award \"Most Artistic Coin of the Year\" by World Coin News (coins issued in 2002 were evaluated).",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Juris Petraškevičs",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]tists: Juris Petraškevičs (graphic design) and Ligita Franckeviča"
},
"connections": [
"135",
"178"
]
},
{
"id": "21",
"name": "Commemorative Coin Kurzeme, Series Time",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "31.47 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "38.61 mm",
"metal": "silver, fineness .925",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "2003",
"longDate": "2003 by Rahapaja Oy (Finland)",
"image": "IMG/content/21/1.03.d_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/21/1.03.d.png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Arvīds Priedīte (graphic design) and Ligita Franckeviča (plaster model)\nThe coin's obverse features the coat of arms of the Duchy of Kurzeme and Zemgale, with a ship in the process of building below it. It reminds us of Courlanders who were typical seafarers of their time, as well as of shipbuilding traditions, which had started to develop several times in Kurzeme, then died away to revive later again.\nThe reverse of the coin Kurzeme (Courland) features weighers of hemp against a background of a brick wall and an iron foundry. It is a symbolic story of the prosperity of the Duchy of Kurzeme and Zemgale in the 17th century, when trade flourished, iron foundries and other manufactures developed and excellent samples of the art of construction were created during the time of Duke Jacob.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Arvīds Priedīte",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]tists: Arvīds Priedīte (graphic design) and Ligita Franckeviča"
},
"connections": [
"127",
"178"
]
},
{
"id": "22",
"name": "Commemorative Coin Vidzeme, Series Time",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "31.47 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "38.61 mm",
"metal": "silver, fineness .925",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "2004",
"longDate": "2004 by Rahapaja Oy (Finland)",
"image": "IMG/content/22/1.03.e_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/22/1.03.e.png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Arvīds Priedīte (graphic design) and Ligita Franckeviča (plaster model)\nThe coin's obverse shows the Livonian coat of arms and a mounted peasant with a heavy cart pulled by a two-horse team on his way to a city market below it. The particular scene is also an allegorical reminder of the hardships, which have burdened this part of Latvia for centuries. Nowhere in Latvia have the wars of the 17th and 18th centuries left such scourge as in Vidzeme.\nThe reverse of the coin depicts two serfs making timber as their corvee. Woodcraft was highly developed, and many country craftsmen had achieved amazing skills. A board with letters carved in wood remind us of the traditions of education and book art. It was in Vidzeme that the Bible was translated into Latvian and the first teachers training establishment, particularly essential for the national awakening of Latvians in the 19th century, was founded.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Arvīds Priedīte",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]tists: Arvīds Priedīte (graphic design) and Ligita Franckeviča"
},
"connections": [
"127",
"178"
]
},
{
"id": "23",
"name": "Commemorative Coin Latgale, Series Time",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "31.47 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "38.61 mm",
"metal": "silver, fineness .925",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "2004",
"longDate": "2004 by Rahapaja Oy (Finland)",
"image": "IMG/content/23/1.03.f_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/23/1.03.f.png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Arvīds Priedīte (graphic design) and Ligita Franckeviča (plaster model)\nThe obverse depicts Our Lady with the Child Jesus in a mandorla against a background of the landscape of Latgale rich in lakes and small hillocks. Largely due to the activities of Jesuits who arrived in the 16th century, Latgale is quite often called the land of Māra (terra Mariana).\nThe central element of the coin's reverse is a cross from a roadside crucifix typical of Latgale against a background of a flax field in blossom. Flax is a traditional crop in Latgale and the symbol of agriculture of this part of Latvia. To the left of the cross one can see a sowing peasant personifying fertility and hope; to the right, there is an angel as a guardian of a person's aspirations.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Arvīds Priedīte",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]tists: Arvīds Priedīte (graphic design) and Ligita Franckeviča"
},
"connections": [
"127",
"178"
]
},
{
"id": "24",
"name": "Commemorative Coin Rainis, series People",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "31.47 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "38.61 mm",
"metal": "silver, fineness .925",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "2005",
"longDate": "2005 by Koninklijke Nederlandse Munt (the Netherlands)",
"image": "IMG/content/24/1.03.g_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/24/1.03.g.png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Arta Ozola-Jaunarāja (graphic design), Ligita Franckeviča (plaster model)\nAlways ready to scale another challenging summit, Rainis (1865-1929) was an outstanding poet, dramatist, philosopher, translator and public figure. His life is a fitting illustration to the human aspiration and striving after perfection, and as such reflects the entire spiritual history of mankind.\nThe reverse of the coin features an originally struck photo portrait of Rainis, topped by a semicircled inscription VIENMĒR VIENS UN PATS... (Ever alone and on one's own…), with facsimile signature of the poet at the bottom. The left field features mountain tops as does the obverse of the coin.\nEver alone and going on his own are the words on the reverse of the coin communicating the spectrum of the emotions of Rainis, the genius pulling ahead of time, for in all times the mountain peaks have enjoyed the privilege to give the first welcome to the Sun, the symbol of human freedom, devotion, spiritual evolution and regeneration.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Arta Ozola-Jaunarāja",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]Ligita Franckeviča"
},
"connections": [
"147",
"178"
]
},
{
"id": "25",
"name": "Commemorative Coin Krišjānis Barons, series People",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "31.47 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "38.61 mm",
"metal": "silver, fineness .925",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "2006",
"longDate": "2006 by Koninklijke Nederlandse Munt (the Netherlands)",
"image": "IMG/content/25/1.03_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/25/1.03.png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Arta Ozola-Jaunarāja (graphic design), Ligita Franckeviča (plaster model)\nLatvian dainas is a body of more than one million Latvian folk songs. It is said that Latvians have as many folk songs as there are stars in the sky. A mathematician and an astronomer, Barons dedicated almost half of his life to the collection of dainas, keeping track of their number and devising a clever and accurate classification system.\nThe obverse of the coin is divided vertically into two fields. The left field features the starry heavens. The reverse of the coin is divided vertically into two fields. The right field features an originally struck photo portrait of Krišjānis Barons with his facsimile signature at the bottom. The left field features the starry heavens.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Arta Ozola-Jaunarāja",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]Ligita Franckeviča"
},
"connections": [
"147",
"178"
]
},
{
"id": "26",
"name": "Commemorative Coin Krišjānis Valdemārs, series People",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "31.47 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "38.61 mm",
"metal": "silver, fineness .925",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "2006",
"longDate": "2006 by Koninklijke Nederlandse Munt (the Netherlands)",
"image": "IMG/content/26/1.03_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/26/1.03.png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Arta Ozola-Jaunarāja (graphic design), Ligita Franckeviča (plaster model)\nThe reverse of the coin bears the inscription Latvji, brauciet jūriņā! (Latvians, venture to distant seas!), words by Krišjānis Valdemārs (1825-1891) heralding the Latvian cultural and economic awakening. Valdemārs succeeded in winning a legal basis for establishing a democratic network of naval colleges thereby enabling the sons of Latvian peasants to become seamen founding Latvian associations of ship owners and even taking to building seagoing ships.\nThe obverse of the coin is divided vertically into two fields. The left field features the sea with a seagull flying above the water. The sea is a source of prosperity. Latvia is a sea nation.\nThe reverse of the coin is also divided vertically into two fields. The right field features an originally struck photo portrait of Krišjānis Valdemārs with his facsimile signature at the bottom.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Arta Ozola-Jaunarāja",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]Ligita Franckeviča"
},
"connections": [
"147",
"178"
]
},
{
"id": "27",
"name": "Commemorative Coin Fight for Freedom, Series State",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "31.47 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "38.61 mm",
"metal": "silver, fineness .925",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "2006",
"longDate": "2006 by Rahapaja Oy (Finland)",
"image": "IMG/content/27/1.03.j_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/27/1.03.j.png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Ivo Grundulis (graphic design), Ligita Franckeviča (plaster model)\nDespite the Baltic territory being ruled by invaders since the 13th century, the Latvians succeeded in consolidating into a nation. Then World War I broke out and out of its devastating aftermath a heavenly miracle was born – the proclamation of the Republic of Latvia on 18 November 1918. Latvian soldiers started wearing the insignia of the national army, which featured a rising sun with rays radiating from it like so many shiny swords. Poorly armed and thinly clad, they won the battle over the outnumbering enemy on 11 November 1919.\nThe obverse of the coin features the outlines of Latvia in the centre, whereas the reverse of the coin displays two crossed swords outlined against the Sun. The inscription NO ZOBENA SAULE LĒCA (Sun was rising from the sword) is in a semicircle at the bottom.\nThe edge of the coin is plain.\nIn 2008, the coin received the award Best Contemporary Event by World Coin News (coins issued in 2006 were evaluated).",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Ivo Grundulis",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]Ligita Franckeviča"
},
"connections": [
"151",
"178"
]
},
{
"id": "28",
"name": "Commemorative Foreign Rulers, Series State",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "31.47 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "38.61 mm",
"metal": "silver, fineness .925",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "2007",
"longDate": "2007 by Rahapaja Oy (Finland)",
"image": "IMG/content/28/1.03.k_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/28/1.03.k.png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Ivo Grundulis (graphic design), Ligita Franckeviča (plaster model)\nIn 1940, in accordance with the Ribbentrop–Molotov Pact the borders of the independent state of the Republic of Latvia were levelled by the Soviet tanks.\nThe remnants of statehood were kept from vanishing from the world's awareness by Latvian legations in those countries that never recognised the fifty-year long occupation of Latvia. The Freedom Monument, the Mother Latvia figure in the war memorial and the graveside monument to Jānis Čakste, the first President of the Republic, maintained the hope that the time would come for a concerted effort to restore the Latvian statehood.\nThe obverse of the coin depicts the large coat of arms of the Republic of Latvia, broken into fragments. On the reverse, fragments of the large coat of arms of the Republic of Latvia are concentrated along the outer edge of the field, with letters composing the inscription LATVIJAS REPUBLIKA scattered about.\nEdge – plain.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Ivo Grundulis",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]Ligita Franckeviča"
},
"connections": [
"151",
"178"
]
},
{
"id": "29",
"name": "Commemorative Rebirth of the State, Series State",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "31.47 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "38.61 mm",
"metal": "silver, fineness .925",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "2007",
"longDate": "2007 by Rahapaja Oy (Finland)",
"image": "IMG/content/29/1.03.l_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/29/1.03.l.png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Ivo Grundulis (graphic design), Ligita Franckeviča (plaster model)\nLatvia stepped on the road of a peaceful, singing war of independence in 1988 when united by the Popular Front the people of Latvia participated in manifestations with flowers and flags in hands and demanded independence.\nObverse
The large coat of arms of the Republic of Latvia is placed in the centre. The inscription 1990.4.V – the year when Supreme Council declared the renewal of the Republic of Latvia first established in 1918 is arranged in a semicircle top right.\nReverse
The centre symbolically features the sun that was shining brightly in Latvia on that day, and the darkness and mist spread by occupation and isolation quickly dispersed and the red-white-red national standard once again took its place among flags of other countries of the world. God bless Latvia!",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Ivo Grundulis",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]Ligita Franckeviča"
},
"connections": [
"151",
"178"
]
}
]
}
]
},
{
"title": "International Coin Programs",
"id": "30",
"text": "International Coin Programs\nInternational coin programmes are developed in co-operation with several mints and coin trade organizations. The Bank of Latvia evaluates the offered possibilities and decides which programme it would be interested to take part in. This is an excellent possibility to present Latvian lats to the world telling a narrative about Latvia and showing the highlights in the life of its nation. Motifs of the coins are related to some significant public and political processes or an old ship, an endangered animal or bird species or a kind of sports essential for Latvia. The obverse of the coin usually features the large coat of arms of the Republic of Latvia.",
"categories": [
{
"title": "Program Sydney 2000",
"id": "35",
"text": "Program Sydney 2000\nIn 1999, within the international coin program Sydney 2000, the Bank of Latvia issued a 10-lats golden commemorative coin, material: gold, fineness .583 (with pure gold gilding). A javelin thrower is featured on the coin, commemorating outstanding achievements by Latvian athletes at the Olympic Games. It was in 1956 in Melbourne that Inese Jaunzeme threw the javelin to the mark of 53.68 metres. The most outstanding Latvian javelin thrower Jānis Lūsis participated in four Olympics (1964, 1968, 1972, 1976). His most successful performance was in Mexico in 1968 when he made the 90.10 metre mark, winning the gold medal. Dainis Kūla won the gold medal in the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games, becoming one of the youngest Olympic champions in the history of the javelin throw.A motif of two athletes riding bicycles is featured in the centre of the silver coin. The history of Latvian track cycling is long and eventful. Our athletes have taken gold and silver in the World Championships.",
"contentImages": [
{
"src": "IMG/content/35/5.png",
"thumbnail": "IMG/content/35/5_m.png"
}
],
"collectionCoins": [
{
"id": "36",
"name": "Commemorative Coin Track Cycling",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "20.00 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "34.00 mm",
"metal": "silver, fineness .925",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "1999",
"longDate": "1999 by Valcambi SA (Switzerland)",
"image": "IMG/content/36/FotorCreated_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/36/FotorCreated.png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artist: Henriks Vorkals (graphic design), Jānis Strupulis (plaster model)",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Henriks Vorkals",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]Jānis Strupulis"
},
"connections": [
"225",
"121"
]
},
{
"id": "37",
"name": "Commemorative Coin Javelin Thrower",
"nominal": "10 lats",
"weight": "3.11 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "18.5 mm",
"metal": "gold, fineness .583 (with 24 kt gilding)",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "1999",
"longDate": "1999 by Valcambi SA (Switzerland)",
"image": "IMG/content/37/FotorCreater_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/37/FotorCreated.png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artist: Olga Šilova (graphic design and plaster model)",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Olga Šilova",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]tist: Olga Šilova"
},
"connections": [
"129"
]
}
]
},
{
"title": "Program The Smallest Gold Coins of the World",
"id": "40",
"text": "Program The Smallest Gold Coins of the World\nFor many centuries gold has been recognised worldwide as a measurement of value. While its significance in the modern financial world has decreased and its price tends to fluctuate, many people still prefer to use gold as a means of accumulating savings. An historical or artistic subject eternalized in the gold coin makes this value more significant. The central banks of several countries participate in this program with their coins. Subjects of the coins vary, but all coins are characterized by high quality, dimensions and weight – 1/25 Troyan ounces.",
"contentImages": [
{
"src": "IMG/content/40/2.08.png",
"thumbnail": "IMG/content/40/2.08_m.png"
}
],
"collectionCoins": [
{
"id": "41",
"name": "5-lats Commemorative Coin",
"nominal": "5 lats",
"weight": "1.2442 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "13.92 mm",
"metal": "gold, fineness .9999",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "2003",
"longDate": "2003 by Valcambi SA (Switzerland)",
"image": "IMG/content/41/FotorCreated_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/41/FotorCreated.png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Gunārs Cīlītis (design based on Rihards Zariņš drawing for the silver 5-lats coin struck in 1929, 1931 and 1932) and Ligita Franckeviča (plaster model).\nAfter World War I, when Latvia had become an independent state with its own national currency, among the authors of the new lats coins was the graphic artist Rihards Zariņš. For the obverse of the 5-lats silver coin he chose his 1921 design of the large coat of arms of the Republic of Latvia, which was created on the basis of the draft design of the State coat of arms, made by the graphic artist Vilhelms Krūmiņš; on the reverse he depicted a Latvian folk-maid.\nBefore World War II, the 5-lats coin became popular in a short time, and, like the statue that tops the Freedom Monument, obtained a symbolic meaning. People gave 5-lats silver coins to their children as gifts; they stored and kept them \"for a rainy day\".\nThe 5-lats silver coin had a destiny unlike, perhaps, any other coin of the world – it became a symbol of Latvian freedom and sovereignty, a ray of hope, secretly stored by almost every family who lived in the occupied Latvia, was deported to Siberia, or went into exile, scattered over the whole world.\nThe Bank of Latvia has issued the gold coin to commemorate the tenth anniversary of restoration of the Latvian national currency, preserving the 5-lats silver coin's historic symbols of wealth and freedom of the people.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Gunārs Cīlītis",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]tists: Gunārs Cīlītis (design based on Rihards Zariņš drawing for the silver 5-lats coin struck in 1929, 1931 and 1932) and Ligita Franckeviča"
},
"connections": [
"117",
"178"
]
},
{
"id": "42",
"name": "Commemorative Coin Gaff-Sail Schooner \"Julia Maria\"",
"nominal": "10 lats",
"weight": "1.2442 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "13.92 mm",
"metal": "gold, fineness .999",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "1997",
"longDate": "1997 by Valcambi SA (Switzerland)",
"image": "IMG/content/42/FotorCreated(1)_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/42/FotorCreated(1).png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artist: Jānis Strupulis (graphic design and plaster model)\nThe coin's reverse portrays the three-masted gaff-sail schooner Julia Maria (built by the famous Latvian craftsman Mārtiņš Morgenšterns in 1895). The length of the schooner was 35 metres, the width 8.5 metres, and the height of the tallest mast was 31 metres. The gaff-sail schooner sank in the North Sea in 1920. The coin's obverse features the large coat of arms of the Republic of Latvia.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Jānis Strupulis",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]tist: Jānis Strupulis"
},
"connections": [
"121"
]
},
{
"id": "43",
"name": "Commemorative coin Art Nouveau. Riga",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "1.2442 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "13.92 mm",
"metal": "gold, fineness .9999",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "2005",
"longDate": "2005 by Valcambi SA (Switzerland)",
"image": "IMG/content/43/FotorCreated_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/43/FotorCreated.png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Guntars Sietiņš (graphic design), Ligita Franckeviča (plaster model)\nAt the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, Art Nouveau transformed the historic centre of Riga, replacing the rational with the beautiful. Art Nouveau buildings in Riga never cease to amaze the spectator with the quantity and artistic quality, as well as harmonious proportions and perfect placement in their surroundings. Recognising that Riga has the finest collection of Art Nouveau buildings in Europe, the historic centre of Riga was inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List in 1997.\nThe obverse of the coin features a typical ornate decoration of Art Nouveau, but the reverse of the coin features a mask from an Art Nouveau building in Riga.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Guntars Sietiņš",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]Ligita Franckeviča"
},
"connections": [
"149",
"178"
]
}
]
},
{
"title": "Program Endangered Wildlife",
"id": "44",
"text": "Program Endangered Wildlife\nEurope is sometimes called the cradle of modern civilisation. Here the changes brought by man upon nature have a thousand-year long history. Latvia is no exception: a large part of present-day landscape – almost all of the territory suitable for agriculture – is man-made. Cultivation of land has in fact contributed to the expansion of a number of bird and animal species into new habitats; human activities have prevented the meadows from overgrowing with forest while having a negligible effect on the survival of birds. In the course of years the methods of mowing changed, towns and industry developed, thus endangering the existence of many species of birds and animals.",
"contentImages": [
{
"src": "IMG/content/44/2.09.png",
"thumbnail": "IMG/content/44/2.09_m.png"
}
],
"collectionCoins": [
{
"id": "45",
"name": "Commemorative Coin Corncrake",
"nominal": "10 lats",
"weight": "31.47 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "38.61 mm",
"metal": "silver, fineness .925",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "1996",
"longDate": "1996 by Valcambi SA (Switzerland)",
"image": "IMG/content/45/FotorCreated(1)_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/45/FotorCreated(1).png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Edgars Folks (graphic design), Jānis Strupulis (plaster model)\nMeadows are the usual habitat for the corncrake, discreet bird with a distinctive call. It is very difficult to spot because it does not fly: from a chance encounter a corncrake will furtively sneak away under the cover of grass. The main danger to corncrake comes from modern 20th-century methods of mowing. Machinery cannot circle nests without touching them and birds are trapped in an island of grass and cut. Unlike the earlier practice of hand-scything, modern technologies do not spare the bird, and much of the population is extinct.\nThe number of corncrakes has steadily declined in Europe; moreover, in the period from 1960 to 1980 their population decreased to less than a half. The situation in Latvia was not quite as grave; nevertheless, by late 1980s the number of corncrakes was smaller than ever before. In 1994, the international organisation BirdLife International that seeks to rescue endangered bird species included the corncrake in the list of species considered to be in danger of worldwide extinction.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Edgars Folks",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]Jānis Strupulis"
},
"connections": [
"125",
"121"
]
},
{
"id": "46",
"name": "Commemorative Coin European Mink",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "31.47 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "38.61 mm",
"metal": "silver, fineness .925",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "1999",
"longDate": "1999 by Valcambi SA (Switzerland)",
"image": "IMG/content/46/FotorCreated_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/46/FotorCreated.png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Edgars Folks (graphic design), Ligita Franckeviča (plaster model)\nThe European Mink is a small furbearing animal of the mustela erminea genus (stoat) of martes family (marten), with webbed feet and water resistant fur. Its preferred habitats are in the vicinity of water. Due to its beautiful and valuable fur, the European Mink has been trapped since ancient times. Moreover, it is being ousted by its larger and more aggressive competitor, the American Mink (mustela vision). Until the middle of the 20th century, the population of the European Mink was dense in Latvia, but since 1994 no European Mink has been detected.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Edgars Folks",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]Ligita Franckeviča"
},
"connections": [
"125",
"178"
]
}
]
},
{
"title": "Program History of Seafaring",
"id": "47",
"text": "Program History of Seafaring\nBays, straits and islands dispel, divide and strengthen the power the sea has over the everyday life and identity of people living on its shore. Sooner or later people living on the shore will build a boat and set sail for lands unknown, lands holding a promise of happiness. A stranger's sail at the horizon will stir up anticipation and foreboding.The four coins reflect some of the most memorable moments of Latvia's relationship with the sea. These dazzling mementos are ours to keep. The Riga Ship was witness to the first encounter of the Balts and Livs with Christian Europe. The frigate Gekrönte Ehlendt evokes the story of the Dutchy of Kurzeme and Zemgale whose ships were sturdy enough to reach the shores of Africa and Central America. The gaff-sail schooner Julia Maria takes us back to the second half of the 19th century, when Latvian-built vessels were a common sight in any of the large foreign seaports. The icebreaker Krišjānis Valdemārs captures the optimism of the new state, whose independence was proclaimed on November 18, 1918 and subsequently had to be defended in tough battles, and its determination to set up a fleet of its own.",
"contentImages": [
{
"src": "IMG/content/47/2.10.png",
"thumbnail": "IMG/content/47/2.10_m.png"
}
],
"collectionCoins": [
{
"id": "48",
"name": "Commemorative Coin Gaff-Sail Schooner \"Julia Maria\"",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "31.47 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "38.61 mm",
"metal": "silver, fineness .925",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "1996",
"longDate": "1996 (dated 1995) by Valcambi SA (Switzerland)",
"image": "IMG/content/48/FotorCreated_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/48/FotorCreated.png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artist: Jānis Strupulis (graphic design and plaster model)\nThe coin's reverse portrays the three-masted gaff-sail schooner Julia Maria (built by the famous Latvian craftsman Mārtiņš Morgenšterns in 1895). The length of the schooner was 35 metres, the width 8.5 metres, and the height of the tallest mast was 31 metres. The gaff-sail schooner sank in the North Sea in 1920.\nThe coin's obverse features the large coat of arms of the Republic of Latvia.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Jānis Strupulis",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]tist: Jānis Strupulis"
},
"connections": [
"121"
]
},
{
"id": "49",
"name": "Commemorative Coin Frigate \"Gekrönte Ehlendt\"",
"nominal": "20 lats",
"weight": "7.776 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "25.00 mm",
"metal": "gold, fineness .583 (with 24 kt gilding)",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "1997",
"longDate": "1997 by Valcambi SA (Switzerland)",
"image": "IMG/content/49/FotoCreated_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/49/FotoCreated.png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Arvīds Priedīte (graphic design), Jānis Strupulis (plaster model)\nThe 17th century was the time when shipbuilding developed in the Duchy of Kurzeme and Zemgale, flourishing under the rule of Duke Jacob of the Kettlers (1642-1682). The largest of the Duchy's six shipyards was established near Ventspils (Windau) in 1638. The sailing-ships carried cargoes to various countries, among them to the two colonies belonging to Duke Jacob: St. Andrew's Island in the Gambia estuary, Africa, and Tobago Island in the South of the Small Antilles, Central America.\nThe building of the Gekrönte Ehlendt (The Crowned Elk) was started in Ventspils on March 9, 1642. The length of this three-masted sailing-ship was 28.3 metres, and her carrying capacity was 320 tons. The Gekrönte Ehlendt set on her maiden voyage on May 18, 1643. The ship was in the Duke's fleet until 1645, when she was seized by Spanish pirates.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Arvīds Priedīte",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]Jānis Strupulis"
},
"connections": [
"127",
"121"
]
},
{
"id": "50",
"name": "Commemorative Coin Riga Ship",
"nominal": "10 lats",
"weight": "31.47 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "38.61 mm",
"metal": "silver, fineness .925",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "1998",
"longDate": "1998 (dated 1997) by Valcambi SA (Switzerland)",
"image": "IMG/content/50/FotorCreated-(1)_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/50/FotorCreated-(1).png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Arvīds Priedīte (graphic design), Ligita Franckeviča (plaster model)\nDuring the 1939 archaeological excavations in Old Riga, a group of archaeologists headed by the Director of the Riga City History Museum found fragments of a ship in territory of the old Riga port. It had sunk close to the left bank of the river Riga.\nDuring the Second World War, some fragments of the ship were destroyed. Research was resumed in 1970, when technical drawings of the Riga ship were made and an oak model was constructed according to the scale 1:10. Scientists assume that this unique finding dates back to the end of the 12th century. The fragments and model of the Riga ship are displayed at the Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Arvīds Priedīte",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]Ligita Franckeviča"
},
"connections": [
"127",
"178"
]
},
{
"id": "51",
"name": "Commemorative Coin Icebreaker \"Krišjānis Valdemārs\"",
"nominal": "10 lats",
"weight": "31.47 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "38.61 mm",
"metal": "silver, fineness .925",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "1998",
"longDate": "1998 by Valcambi SA (Switzerland)",
"image": "IMG/content/51/ledlauzis_valdemars_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/51/ledlauzis_valdemars.png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Arvīds Priedīte (graphic design), Jānis Ronis (plaster model)\nThe icebreaker Krišjānis Valdemārs was the pride of the Republic of Latvia's fleet in 1920s and 1930s. She was the only steamer utilized to free the Riga port from ice in winter and to escort state visits. The new icebreaker was named after Krišjānis Valdemārs (1825-1891), the man who established the first naval colleges and promoted shipbuilding in Latvia. The Krišjānis Valdemārs set on her maiden voyage on January 13, 1926.\nSoon after the occupation of Latvia, the ship was nationalized, and during World War II, she was evacuated to Tallinn together with merchant ships. At the end of August 1941, the icebreaker sailed from Tallinn to Kronstadt, and on August 28, she struck a mine and perished.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Arvīds Priedīte",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]Jānis Ronis"
},
"connections": [
"127",
"181"
]
}
]
},
{
"title": "Program Hansa Cities",
"id": "53",
"text": "Program Hansa Cities\nThe Hanseatic League (Unio hanseatischer Bund) dates back to the 13th century, when the German towns Hamburg and Lübeck concluded an agreement on trading in the Baltic Sea and the North Sea. The League developed gradually, and flourished in the 14th and in the first half of the 15th century, uniting dozens of towns in the Baltic and the underlying regions. Among these were also eight towns situated in the present territory of Latvia: Riga, Cēsis, Valmiera, Koknese, Straupe, Limbaži, Kuldīga and Ventspils.The aim of the Hanseatic League was to protect its members from raids of plunderers, robbers, pirates as well as from trade expansion of states and cities outside the League.The Hanseatic League of today is mainly a sign of goodwill; it is a symbolic medal affixed to the best suit worn by a European region.",
"contentImages": [
{
"src": "IMG/content/53/2.12.png",
"thumbnail": "IMG/content/53/2.12_m.png"
}
],
"collectionCoins": [
{
"id": "54",
"name": "Commemorative Coin Valmiera",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "31.47 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "38.61 mm",
"metal": "silver, fineness .925",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "2003",
"longDate": "2003 by Rahapaja Oy (Finland)",
"image": "IMG/content/54/FotorCreated(1)_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/54/FotorCreated(1).png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Gunārs Krollis (graphic design), Jānis Strupulis (plaster model)\nThough the actual date of Valmiera receiving its city charter is not known, it certainly ranks as one of the oldest Latvian towns.\nSt. Sīmanis' Church, built in 1283, and the stone castle of the Order of the Swordbearers with the adjacent settlement of craftsmen and merchants mark the beginning of the city of Valmiera. Valmiera was a member of the Hanseatic League from the 14th till the 16th century. Valmiera emerged as the district center at the end of the 18th century. The postal route connecting St. Petersburgh and Western Europe went through the city.\nThe coin's obverse features the Hanseatic city seal with the coat of arms of Valmiera. The coins reverse portrays a silhouette of St. Sīmanis' Church, castle ruins, a reflection of the ship of Hanseatic days.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Gunārs Krollis",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]Jānis Strupulis"
},
"connections": [
"131",
"121"
]
},
{
"id": "55",
"name": "Commemorative Coin Kuldīga",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "31.47 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "38.61 mm",
"metal": "silver, fineness .925",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "2002",
"longDate": "2002 by Rahapaja Oy (Finland)",
"image": "IMG/content/55/FotorCreated_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/55/FotorCreated.png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Gunārs Krollis (graphic design), Jānis Strupulis (plaster model)\nAs early as the 9th century, merchants and craftsmen settled near the largest hill fort of the Kurs on the left bank of the River Venta. The name of Kuldīga (Goldingen) was first mentioned in chronicles when referring to the stone castle that crusaders started to build in the vicinity of the Veckuldīga hill fort in 1242. The golden age of Kuldīga was during the reign of Duke Jacob (1642-1682). Kuldīga is the only town of Latvia that has an authentic and homogeneous ensemble of wooden buildings of the 18th and 19th centuries.\nThe coin's obverse features Kuldīga's coat of arms, while its reverse bears representations of Kuldīga's cityscape and Hanseatic ships.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Gunārs Krollis",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]Jānis Strupulis"
},
"connections": [
"131",
"121"
]
},
{
"id": "56",
"name": "Commemorative Coin Cēsis",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "31.47 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "38.61 mm",
"metal": "silver, fineness .925",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "2001",
"longDate": "2001 by Rahapaja Oy (Finland)",
"image": "IMG/content/56/FotorCreated_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/56/FotorCreated(1).png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Gunārs Krollis (graphic design), Jānis Strupulis (plaster model)\nThe city was first mentioned in the Chronicles of Henricus (Indriķis) in 1206. The wooden castle, which stood on the city's site in the 11th and 13th centuries, and the city (in German, Wenden) bore the name of the vendi tribe. Masters of the Livonian Order often chose the stone castle built by the Order of the Brothers of Sword (13th-18th centuries) as their residence. Due to its location near the Gauja trade route, the city flourished in the late 14th and early 15th centuries.\nNowadays Cēsis, the city that gave Latvia its national colours, is a centre for culture and tourism.\nThe coin's obverse features the Hanseatic coat of arms of Cēsis, while its reverse bears representations of the Cēsis Castle and a Hanseatic ship.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Gunārs Krollis",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]Jānis Strupulis"
},
"connections": [
"131",
"121"
]
},
{
"id": "57",
"name": "Commemorative Coin Ventspils",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "31.47 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "38.61 mm",
"metal": "silver, fineness .925",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "2000",
"longDate": "2000 by Rahapaja Oy (Finland)",
"image": "IMG/content/57/FotorCreated_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/57/FotorCreated.png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Gunārs Krollis (graphic design), Jānis Strupulis (plaster model)\nIn historical sources Ventspils is first mentioned as Terra Vinda. First references to a port in this territory were made as early as 1263. The Venta Castle, which was built by the Livonian Order, is first referred to in 1290. Town status was conferred to Ventspils in 1378. The 17th century saw Ventspils evolve into the major port of the Duchy of Kurzeme and Zemgale. In our day Ventspils is both an important trading centre and a major port on the Baltic Sea coast.\nThe coin's obverse features the coat of arms of Ventspils, while its reverse bears representations of the Venta Castle and a Hanseatic ship.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Gunārs Krollis",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]Jānis Strupulis"
},
"connections": [
"131",
"121"
]
},
{
"id": "58",
"name": "Commemorative Coin Koknese",
"nominal": "JĀPĀRBAUDA UN JĀIELIEK",
"weight": "31.47 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "38.61 mm",
"metal": "silver, fineness .925",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "2005",
"longDate": "2005 by Rahapaja Oy (Finland)",
"image": "IMG/content/58/FotorCreated(1)_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/58/FotorCreated(1).png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Gunārs Krollis (graphic design), Jānis Strupulis (plaster model)\nThis commemorative coin is dedicated to Koknese, one of the eight Hanseatic cities of Latvia.\nThe region, home of the Lettgallians and Selians who were subjugated by the German crusading orders at the beginning of the 13th century, has fostered the town of Koknese and its castle, one of the three alternative residences of Riga archbishops of the 14th-16th centuries. As an important center of crafts and trade on the River Daugava, Koknese earned the town status in 1277, joined the Hanseatic League in the 14th century, and grew into a frequented holiday and tourist hub nestling down in the beautiful landscape of the Daugava and Perse rivers.\nThe Hanseatic city seal with the coat of arms of Koknese is in the center of the coin's obverse. The coin's reverse is divided into two parts by a water body. At the top of it is a representation of the Koknese castle ruins with the Sun and the Moon on the sides. A reflection of the Hanseatic Castle and ships is at the bottom of the reverse.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Gunārs Krollis",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]Jānis Strupulis"
},
"connections": [
"131",
"121"
]
},
{
"id": "59",
"name": "Commemorative Coin Straupe",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "31.47 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "38.61 mm",
"metal": "silver, fineness .925",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "2006",
"longDate": "2006 by Rahapaja Oy (Finland)",
"image": "IMG/content/59/FotorCreated_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/59/FotorCreated.png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Gunārs Krollis (graphic design), Jānis Strupulis (plaster model)\nStraupe (Roop in German), the centre of the Idumeja district inhabited by Liivs and Lettgallians, was referred to in the Chronicle of Henry of Livonia already in 1206 (Raupa and Ropa in the Liv language). A town of craftsmen and merchants developed nearby the Lielstraupe Castle, a unique monument of national architectural heritage built in 1263, and trade flourished due to the River Brasla which was navigable. In the 14th and 15th centuries, Straupe was one of the largest towns in Livonia enjoying Riga rights, with its own seal and mayor. After its destruction during the Polish-Swedish War at the beginning of the 17th century, Straupe ceased to exist as a town.\nThe obverse of the coin features the Hanseatic city seal with the coat of arms of Straupe in the centre, and the reverse depicts the Lielstraupe castle in the upper part and a reflection of a Hanseatic ship with trees on both sides of it at the bottom of the coin.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Gunārs Krollis",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]Jānis Strupulis"
},
"connections": [
"131",
"121"
]
},
{
"id": "60",
"name": "Commemorative Coin Limbaži",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "31.47 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "38.61 mm",
"metal": "silver, fineness .925",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "2008",
"longDate": "2008 by Rahapaja Oy (Finland)",
"image": "IMG/content/60/FotorCreated(1)_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/60/FotorCreated(1).png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Gunārs Krollis (graphic design), Jānis Strupulis (plaster model)\nThe year 1223, when Bishop Albert started building a castle in the Metsepole province, was also the founding year of Limbaži. As one of the residences of the Arcbishop of Riga, Limbaži was awarded town status in the 14th century (1385), later becoming a member of the Hanseatic League. Beginning with the middle of the 16th century, the city had to withstand a number of wars and fires, and at the end of the 19th century trade and crafts began to flourish there. Limbaži is a member of the New Hanseatic League. The historic centre of the city with its radial layout is a monument of urban planning and is considered part of the national heritage.\nThe Hanseatic city seal with the coat of arms of Limbaži is in the center of the coin's obverse. Its left side reflects an element of the Gothic window opening, while its right part bears some ethnographic motifs of Northern Vidzeme. The coin's reverse in divided into two parts. Its upper part bears representations of the Limbaži castle ruins and St. John's Church. The reflection of a Hanseatic ship is featured in the lower part.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Gunārs Krollis",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]Jānis Strupulis"
},
"connections": [
"131",
"121"
]
},
{
"id": "61",
"name": "Commemorative Coin Riga",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "31.47 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "38.61 mm",
"metal": "silver, fineness .925",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "2011",
"longDate": "2011 by Rahapaja Oy (Finland)",
"image": "IMG/content/61/FotorCreated_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/61/FotorCreated.png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Gunārs Krollis (graphic design), Jānis Strupulis (plaster model)\nRiga was a member of the Hanseatic League from 1282 until the final disintegration of the League. Trade that within the Hanseatic League took place between Western Europe and the lands of Eastern Slavs underpinned the wealth and might of Medieval Riga. Over time, Riga began to evolve as a major port of the Baltic Sea Region.\nAmong the main goods exported from Riga were wax and furs, also flax and hemp. Imports were dominated by fabrics, salt and herring.\nObverse
The 13th century seal featuring Riga City coat of arms is placed in the centre. There are patterns of Gothic ornaments on either side of it.\nReverse
The reverse of the coin is divided into two parts by a water body. The upper part features a panoramic view of the Hanseatic City of Riga. The lower part features the reflections of Hanseatic ships.\nEdge. The inscriptions LATVIJAS REPUBLIKA and LATVIJAS BANKA, separated by dots.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Gunārs Krollis",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]Jānis Strupulis"
},
"connections": [
"131",
"121"
]
}
]
},
{
"title": "Program ",
"id": "66",
"text": "Program \"European Heritage\"\nThe joint collector coin programme Europa Star of the European Union (EU) countries was launched in 2004. Within the framework of this programme, the old EU Member States issued silver collector coins with the star logo incorporated into the coin design, dedicating them to the EU enlargement. Later the design was based on the subject Peace and Freedom to commemorate the end of the World War II and that on the outstanding personalities of Europe. As the selected subjects were narrow and sometimes politically sensitive, not all countries could participate in these programmes. In 2007, the Bank of Latvia proposed selecting a wider motto European Cultural Heritage, so that each country could choose an appropriate celebratory event every year. The programme was approved with the motto European Heritage, and several Member States started to design coins dedicated to nature, politics and other subjects. The range of subjects of the programme turned out to be too broad, therefore it will be replaced by a programme on the European architecture in 2010.",
"contentImages": [
{
"src": "IMG/content/66/FotorCreated (1).jpg",
"thumbnail": "IMG/content/66/FotorCreated (1).jpg"
}
],
"collectionCoins": [
{
"id": "67",
"name": "Commemorative Coin Song Festival",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "31.47 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "38.61 mm",
"metal": "silver, fineness .925",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "2008",
"longDate": "2008 by Rahapaja Oy (Finland).",
"image": "IMG/content/67/FotorCreated_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/67/FotorCreated.png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Arvīds Priedīte (graphic design), Ligita Franckeviča (plaster model).\nThe very idea of Latvian statehood began with the folk song and polyphonic singing in marking the passage of seasons. In the summer of 1873, the procession of the First Latvian National Song Festival moved along the streets of Riga. Self-confidence of Latvians rose like the Castle of Light in a popular song. People rejoicing in Latvian took Riga by surprise, and eventually Riga became the capital city of the Song Festivals, today protected by UNESCO as part of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.\nOn the obverse, a woman dressed in the Latvian national costume and holding a bunch of wildflowers and plants traditionally gathered for Midsummer Night is featured against the background of a verse of the Latvian folk song \"Blow, Wind\", the hymn-like manifestation of Latvian self-confidence. On the reverse, a man dressed in the Latvian national costume and holding a Midsummer Night's wreath of oak leaves is featured against the background of a verse of the song \"The Castle of Light\", with the common logo of the \"European Heritage\", the collector coin programme of the European Union, displayed at the top on the right.\nEdge. Inscription DZIESMAI ŠODIEN LIELA DIENA (a line from the song \"Today We Celebrate Song\").",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Arvīds Priedīte",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]Ligita Franckeviča"
},
"connections": [
"127",
"178"
]
},
{
"id": "68",
"name": "Commemorative Coin Song Festival",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "12.40 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "30 mm",
"metal": "cupro-nickel",
"quality": "BU (brilliant uncirculated)",
"tirage": "",
"date": "2008",
"longDate": "2008 by Rahapaja Oy (Finland).",
"image": "IMG/content/68/FotorCreated(1)_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/68/FotorCreated(1).png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Arvīds Priedīte (graphic design), Ligita Franckeviča (plaster model).\nThe very idea of Latvian statehood began with the folk song and polyphonic singing in marking the passage of seasons. In the summer of 1873, the procession of the First Latvian National Song Festival moved along the streets of Riga. Self-confidence of Latvians rose like the Castle of Light in a popular song. People rejoicing in Latvian took Riga by surprise, and eventually Riga became the capital city of the Song Festivals, today protected by UNESCO as part of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.\nOn the obverse, a woman dressed in the Latvian national costume and holding a bunch of wildflowers and plants traditionally gathered for Midsummer Night is featured against the background of a verse of the Latvian folk song \"Blow, Wind\", the hymn-like manifestation of Latvian self-confidence. On the reverse, a man dressed in the Latvian national costume and holding a Midsummer Night's wreath of oak leaves is featured against the background of a verse of the song \"The Castle of Light\", with the common logo of the \"European Heritage\", the collector coin programme of the European Union, displayed at the top on the right.\nEdge. Inscription DZIESMAI ŠODIEN LIELA DIENA (a line from the song \"Today We Celebrate Song\").",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Arvīds Priedīte",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]Ligita Franckeviča"
},
"connections": [
"127",
"178"
]
},
{
"id": "69",
"name": "Collector Coin Christmas Tree",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "22.00 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "35.00 mm",
"metal": "silver of 925º fineness",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "2009",
"longDate": "2009 by Koninklijke Nederlandse Munt (the Netherlands)",
"image": "IMG/content/69/FotorCreated_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/69/FotorCreated.png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Edgars Folks (graphic design), Jānis Strupulis (plaster model)\nTo many Christmas tree is something more than just a special decoration: it is a symbol of vitality and rebirth, of uniting spiritual energy, of peace and brotherly love.\nBut where does the Christmas tree tradition come from? It is St. Francis of Assisi who apparently made a Nativity scene in a forest in 1222 and put lighted candles in the branches of nearby fir-trees. The first ever Christmas tree in Riga, adorned with flowers, appeared at a Christmas season street carnival organised by the Blackhead brotherhood in 1510. In the 17th century, the Christmas tree decoration tradition spread in the German lands, while in the 19th century this tradition took hold in Great Britain and afterwards in the United States and elsewhere.\nObverse
A man carrying a small fir-tree, a squirrel and a moon are in the centre of the coin. The common logo of the \"European Heritage\", the commemorative coin programme of the European Union, together with the inscription ZIEMASSVĒTKU EGLĪTEI 500 (500th Anniversary of Christmas Tree) are arranged in a semicircle on the left above.\nReverse
Mummers in traditional masks are depicted on the reverse of the coin.\nEdge. Inscriptions LATVIJAS BANKA (Bank of Latvia) and LATVIJAS REPUBLIKA (Republic of Latvia), separated by rhombic dots.\nIn 2010, the coin Christmas Tree was awarded a diploma \"Silver Coin of the Year\" at the contest \"Coin Constellation\" (Ģīķåņķīå ńīēāåēäčå), organised by Watermark Publishing House, the Russian numismatics publishing house.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Edgars Folks",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]Jānis Strupulis"
},
"connections": [
"125",
"121"
]
},
{
"id": "70",
"name": "Kārlis Zāle",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "22.00 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "35.00 mm",
"metal": "silver of 925º fineness",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "JĀIELIEK",
"longDate": "2012 by Koninklijke Nederlandse (the Netherlands)",
"image": "IMG/content/70/FotorCreated(1)_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/70/FotorCreated(1).png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Krišs Salmanis(graphic design) and Ligita Franckeviča(plaster model)\nObverse\nThe coin is roughly frosted and of stony texture in appearance. Its central field features Kārlis Zāle's portrait, taken from the sculptural group \"Work\" of the Freedom Monument, which is encircled by the inscriptions KĀRLIS ZĀLE, 1 LATS, LATVIJAS REPUBLIKA and the year 2012, separated by rhombic dots.\nReverse\nThe reverse of the coin features the sculpture \"Dying Horseman I\", taken from the memorial ensemble of the Brethren Cemetery. The Eurostar logo of the \"European Silver Programme\" is displayed on the right below.\nEdge\nThe inscriptions LATVIJAS BANKA, LATVIJAS REPUBLIKA and 2012, separated by rhombic dots.\nThe outstanding Latvian sculptor Kārlis Zāle (1888–1942) was the flag-bearer of the national idea whose talent shone briefly but brightly: the memorial of the Brethren Cemetery and the Freedom Monument gained the status of national treasures.\nIn the composition of the Freedom Monument, Zāle combined the mythical and the real in a harmonious ensemble, depicting allegorical images of values important to Latvians. The obelisk is crowned by a copper statue of Liberty that holds three gilded stars symbolising the three main regions of Latvia. The monument that was financed by donations was unveiled on 18 November 1935.\nIn the process of designing the memorial ensemble for the Brethren Cemetery, Kārlis Zāle was charged with the most complicated task to express, by sculptural means, the ability of the Latvian soldier to sacrifice himself in the struggle for the freedom of his homeland, to lend the quality of an epos to the drama of the soldiers fallen in World War I and armed struggles for Latvia's statehood. The development of the memorial ensemble at the Brethren Cemetery was concluded by its solemn dedication on 11 November 1936. In 1942, Kārlis Zāle also found his permanent resting place there.\nNations and countries tend to have unifying symbols for the ideas at their roots: for the US, it is the Statue of Liberty, for France, the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and the Marseillaise. Any mention of Rome conjures the images of the Coliseum or St. Peter's Basilica. For Latvia, it is the Freedom Monument by Kārlis Zāle",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]T",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]The coin is roughly frosted and of stony texture in appearance. Its central field features Kārlis Zāle's portrait, "
},
"connections": [
"167",
"178"
]
}
]
}
],
"collectionCoins": [
{
"id": "31",
"name": "Commemorative Coin Dedicated to the 50th Anniversary of the United Nations",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "28.28 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "38.61 mm",
"metal": "silver, fineness .925",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "1995",
"longDate": "om 1995 to 1996 (dated 1995) by the Royal Mint (United Kingdom)",
"image": "IMG/content/31/fotor_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/31/fotor.png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Henriks Vorkals (graphic design), Jānis Strupulis (plaster model)\nIn June 1945 representatives of fifty nations met in San Francisco to adopt the Unites Nations Charter. Latvia became a member of the United Nations on September 17, 1991, after regaining its independence, which ended 50 years of Soviet occupation. To voice support for the United Nations' commitment towards a better world, the Bank of Latvia has issued a special 1-lats silver coin. Human figures, depicted on the coin's reverse, symbolize the return of Latvia into the community of free and democratic nations.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Henriks Vorkals",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]Jānis Strupulis"
},
"connections": [
"225",
"121"
]
},
{
"id": "32",
"name": "Commemorative Coin Issued Within the UNICEF Program For the Children of the World",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "31.47 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "38.61 mm",
"metal": "silver, fineness .925",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "2000",
"longDate": "2000 by Valcambi SA (Switzerland)",
"image": "IMG/content/32/Fotor_Created_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/32/FotorCreated.png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Laimonis Šēnbergs (graphic design), Jānis Strupulis (plaster model)\nThe reverse of the coin bears a drawing of an eleven-year old girl, Guna Bārbale, who won a competition of 4 000 works by over 3 000 Latvian children. Is the world ready for me? Will it welcome me? Asks the child at the crossroads.\nA child's world is a world that lacks a clear-cut border between the reality and fantasy, between what exists and what is desired. It is a world of freedom. It is up to adults to make the world such that this childish sense of freedom may easily transform into a different, responsible freedom.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Laimonis Šēnbergs",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]Jānis Strupulis"
},
"connections": [
"219",
"121"
]
},
{
"id": "33",
"name": "Commemorative Coin Dedicated to the Atlanta Olympic Games of 1996",
"nominal": "10 lats",
"weight": "31.47 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "38.61 mm",
"metal": "silver, fineness .925",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "1995",
"longDate": "1995 (dated 1994) by Valcambi SA (Switzerland)",
"image": "IMG/content/33/FotorCreated(1)_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/33/FotorCreated(1).png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Gunārs Cīlītis (graphic design), Jānis Strupulis (plaster model)\nRowing has long-established traditions in Latvia as the first Rowers Club was founded in Riga in 1872. The first Latvian canoeists to gain worldwide success were Laimonis Kravalis and Gunārs Šmits, who won the European and World Championships for juniors.\nThe most outstanding achievements are those of Ivans Klementjevs (canoe, men single), Olympic gold in Seoul (1988) and two Olympic silver medals in Barcelona (1992) and Atlanta (1996). He has been the World Champion seven times.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Gunārs Cīlītis",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]Jānis Strupulis"
},
"connections": [
"117",
"121"
]
},
{
"id": "34",
"name": "Commemorative Coin Issued Within the Program Millennium",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "15.2 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "28.0 mm",
"metal": "silver, fineness .925",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "1999",
"longDate": "1999 by Royal Mint (United Kingdom)",
"image": "IMG/content/34/FotorCreated_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/34/FotorCreated.png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Gunārs Cīlītis (graphic design), Jānis Strupulis (plaster model)\nAs the turn of the millennium approaches, our minds tend to linger on the past, our senses are roused by the future, and our bodies are ever so keenly aware of being alive here and now. The 20th century, with its tremendous achievements in science and technology and devasting moral defeats, has receded into history.\nWho am I? A mover of events, an architect of history, an author of what is of essence or a mere sliver, one among many, tossed about by the torrents of time? AS much as we would desire to step into the new millennium pure and guiltless, we are but a button held fast to the coat of our pat.\nIn the year 2001 the coin Millennium has received the award \"Most Innovative Coinage Concept\" by World Coin News.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Gunārs Cīlītis",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]Jānis Strupulis"
},
"connections": [
"117",
"121"
]
},
{
"id": "38",
"name": "Coin Graeco-Roman Wrestling Commemorating the Athens Olympic Games of 2004",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "31.47 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "38.61 mm",
"metal": "silver, fineness .925",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "2002",
"longDate": "2002 by Rahapaja Oy (Finland)",
"image": "IMG/content/38/FotorCreated(1)_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/38/FotorCreated(1).png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Dainis Pundurs (graphic design), Ligita Franckeviča (plaster model)\nIn ancient Greece, athletes who had become champions of the Olympic Games donated their own sculptural likeness to the famous Olympia and the temples of their native town to show gratitude to the gods for the victories bestowed upon them. The Bank of Latvia dedicates the silver coin, issued in honour of the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, to Graeco-Roman wrestling – one of the oldest types of wrestling that has survived through times past until this day.\nWith the basic motif of an ancient Greek relief, Dainis Pundurs brings back forms and ideas that seemed to be long forgotten. Confidence in human power and the beauty of honest competition has survived until this day and age, and the coin dedicated to the Athens Olympic Games confirms it once again.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Dainis Pundurs",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]Ligita Franckeviča"
},
"connections": [
"141",
"178"
]
},
{
"id": "39",
"name": "Commemorative Coin Issued within the Program History of Gold",
"nominal": "10 lats",
"weight": "1.2442 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "13.92 mm",
"metal": "gold, fineness .9999",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "1998",
"longDate": "1998 by Valcambi SA (Switzerland)",
"image": "IMG/content/39/h_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/39/h.png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Laimonis Šēnbergs, Gunārs Cīlītis (graphic design), Ligita Franckeviča, Jānis Strupulis (plaster model)\nIn the 14th century Riga flourished as an international trading centre and being already a member of the Hanseatic League, was decreed the central harbour for discharging transit goods, as well as the main intermediary for trade between Eastern and Western Europe.\nThe coin's reverse bears the Great Guild's coat of arms: a golden ship with two keys crossed at the top of the mast, representing overseas trading. The coin's obverse bears the secret seal of Riga Town Council depicting Riga's small coat of arms of 1368, where the city's keys crowned by the Livonian Order's cross have replaced the symbol of the bishop's power of the previous century.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Laimonis Šēnbergs, Gunārs Cīlītis",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]Ligita Franckeviča, Jānis Strupulis"
},
"connections": [
"219",
"117",
"178",
"121"
]
},
{
"id": "52",
"name": "Commemorative Coin Ice Hockey Dedicated to the Salt Lake City Olympic Winter Games of 2002",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "31.47 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "38.61 mm",
"metal": "silver, fineness .925",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "2001",
"longDate": "2001 by Rahapaja Oy (Finland)",
"image": "IMG/content/52/FotorCreated_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/52/FotorCreated.png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artist: Andris Vārpa (graphic design and plaster model)\nThe history of ice hockey in Latvia dates back to 1929. As early as 1931, Latvia joined the International Ice Hockey Federation. In May 7, 1992, the country renewed its membership.\nCoached by Leonīds Beresņevs, Latvia's team won the Group B World Championship in the spring of 1996. This championship was dominated by Artūrs Irbe, the legendary Latvian goalkeeper (World Championship Best Goalkeeper Award in 1990). The eighth-place finish in the 2000 Group A World Championship in St. Petersburgh was a remarkable achievement for Latvia's national team. The most memorable and acclaimed victory of the team was that over Russia on May 5 (3 : 2). Headed by the 2001 coach Haralds Vasiļjevs, the team won the right to participate in the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. Moreover, Riga was chosen to host the Group A World Championship in 2006. Go, Latvia!",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Andris Vārpa",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]tist: Andris Vārpa"
},
"connections": [
"133"
]
},
{
"id": "62",
"name": "Program Dedicated to the Enlargement of the European Union Commemorative Coin Latvia – EU 2004",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "31.47 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "38.61 mm",
"metal": "silver, fineness .925",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "2004",
"longDate": "2004 by Royal Mint (United Kingdom)",
"image": "IMG/content/62/FotorCreated(1)_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/62/FotorCreated(1).png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Sandra Belsone (graphic design), Jānis Strupulis (plaster model)\nOn 1 May 2004, Latvia became a Member State of the European Union. At the referendum of 20 September 2003 on Latvia joining the European Union, the nation overwhelmingly said \"Yes\" to the European Union. The upper part of the reverse features \"P.S. LATVIJA – ES. 2004\" – post scriptum or a note as if appended to a completed letter. In Latvian the abbreviation \"ES\" carries a double meaning: Latvia is the European Union and Latvia is also me!\nThe obverse displays the large coat of arms of the Republic of Latvia, whereas the reverse features the inscription P.S. on a dull background, with the inscription LATVIJA – ES 2004 (Latvia – EU 2004) beneath it.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Sandra Belsone",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]Jānis Strupulis"
},
"connections": [
"143",
"121"
]
},
{
"id": "63",
"name": "Program Dedicated to the 2006 FIFA World Cup Coin 2006 FIFA World Cup",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "31.47 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "38.61 mm",
"metal": "silver, fineness .925",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "2004",
"longDate": "2004 by Royal Mint (United Kingdom)",
"image": "IMG/content/63/FotorCreated_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/63/FotorCreated.png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Henrihs Vorkals (graphic design), Ligita Franckeviča (plaster model)\nVictories over Hungary, Poland, Sweden and Turkey, solid performance in Portugal against the Czech Republic and Germany: these are the greatest achievements in the 100 years of Latvian football. The sports union Keizarmezs was the first football champion of Latvia in 1922. In 1922, Latvia's Football Union became a member of FIFA, and by the summer of 1940 Latvia's national team had played 99 games.\nAfter Latvia regained its independence, the national team grew into a team whom the top class European football teams had to reckon with.\nReverse
The left-hand side of the reverse is smooth, whereas the right-hand side has a dull surface. Inscriptions \"FIFA PASAULES KAUSS 2006 VACIJA\" and \"2006 FIFA WORLD CUP GERMANY™\" are placed at the top and the bottom of the left-hand side of the reverse. A football player with a ball is featured on the right-hand side.\nObverse
The large coat of arms of the Republic of Latvia is placed in the centre, with the year 2004 inscribed below.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Henrihs Vorkals",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]Ligita Franckeviča"
},
"connections": [
"119",
"178"
]
},
{
"id": "64",
"name": "Commemorative Coin Bobsleigh Dedicated to the Torino Olympic Winter Games of 2006",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "31.47 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "38.61 mm",
"metal": "silver, fineness .925",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "2005",
"longDate": "2005 by Staatliche Münze Berlin (Germany)",
"image": "IMG/content/64/FotorCreated(1)_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/64/FotorCreated(1).png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Henrihs Vorkals (graphic design), Jānis Strupulis (plaster design)\nBobsleighing is a kind of sports popular in Latvia. The sled of original design constructed at the VEF factory helped Latvia attain the first success. In 1984, Jānis Kipurs and Aivars Snepsts worked their way to the title of European champions. Zintis Ekmanis won the Olympic bronze in Sarajevo in the same year and won the European Championship in 1985. Maris Poikans and Ivars Berzups came first in the 1986 World Cup. At the 1988 Olympic Games in Calgary, Jānis Kipurs was the winner of gold and bronze medals.\nThe 21st century has opened up new vistas of achievements ahead of the Latvian athletes. Sandis Prusis won the title of European champion, whereas Jānis Minins managed to win a double title at junior World Championship.\nReverse
The central motif of the coin is composed of a sled with four sportsmen in it. The inscription OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES 2006, arranged in a semicircle, is placed on the left side at the top of the coin.\nObverse
The large coat of arms of the Republic of Latvia is placed in the centre, with the year 2005 beneath it.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Henrihs Vorkals",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]Jānis Strupulis"
},
"connections": [
"119",
"121"
]
},
{
"id": "65",
"name": "Commemorative Coin The Golden Apple Tree within the //program Treasures of the World",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "1.2442 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "13.92 mm",
"metal": "gold, fineness .9999",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "2007",
"longDate": "2007 by Staatliche Münze Berlin (Germany)",
"image": "IMG/content/65/FotorCreated_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/65/FotorCreated.png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Laimonis Šēnbergs (graphic design after V. Krastiņš's graphic mark for the publishing house Zelta ābele) and Jānis Strupulis (plaster model)\nThe golden apple tree and its golden fruit have been the symbols of ancient Greek mythology. These symbols, used also in Latvian fairy-tales, bring good luck and lend a helping hand to the poor orphan girl who is an embodiment of virtue and aesthetic qualities.\nIn 1935, book publisher Miķelis Goppers (1908–1996) founded Zelta ābele that was to publish limited edition books of high aesthetic value and perfect typographic quality aimed at book lovers and collectors.\nThe reverse of the coin features the golden apple tree, graphic mark of the publishing house created by Voldemārs Krastiņš (1908–1960), one of the first illustrators of Zelta ābele books.\nEnriched with wisdom found in books, the golden apple tree of myth and fairy-tale has become a multifaceted symbol of perfection unlikely to have many counterparts elsewhere in the world.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Laimonis Šēnbergs",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]tists: Laimonis Šēnbergs (graphic design after V. Krastiņš's graphic mark for the publishing house Zelta ābele) and Jānis Strupulis"
},
"connections": [
"219",
"121"
]
},
{
"id": "71",
"name": "100 YEARS IN OLYMPIC GAMES ",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "22.00 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "35.00 mm",
"metal": "1 lats",
"quality": "22.00 g; diameter: 35.00 mm",
"tirage": "",
"date": "925",
"longDate": "lver of .925 fineness; quality: proof",
"image": "IMG/content/71/FotorCreated_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/71/FotorCreated.png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artist: Aigars Bikše\nObverse\nThe obverse features three figures of Latvian Olympic athletes in national costumes in the centre. The inscription 2012 is on the left from the figures and 1 LATS on the right beneath them. The inscription 100 GADU OLIMPISKAJĀS SPĒLĒS (100 Years in Olympic Games) is semi-circled at the bottom slightly to the right.\nReverse\nA stylised image of three ancient Greek runners is placed in the centre. There is the inscription 776. GADS PRIEKŠ KRISTUS (776 Before Christ) underneath slightly to the right.\nEdge \nThe inscriptions LATVIJAS REPUBLIKA (Republic of Latvia) and LATVIJAS BANKA (Bank of Latvia), separated by rhombic dots.\nThe ancient Greek sporting traditions revived in the modern times in 1896. Already in 1912 31 competitors from Vidzeme and Kurzeme headed to Stockholm to participate in the Olympic Games. Moreover, the clay pigeon shooter Haralds Blaus even won the Olympic bronze! All in all so far in summer and winter Olympic Games, the Latvian athletes have harvested 20 gold, 40 silver and 20 bronze medals.\nThe first Olympic silver went to Jānis Daliņš, a distance walker, in 1932 in Los Angeles. The Olympic gold in javelin throwing was won by Inese Jaunzeme in 1956 in Melbourne, Elvīra Ozoliņa in 1960 in Rome, Jānis Lūsis in 1968 in Mexico, and Dainis Kūla in 1980 in Moscow. The international image of victors was almost constantly polished by successful participation in basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, sailing, rowing, shooting, luge and bobsleigh. The London 2012 Olympic Games mark the first 100 years since our athletes have participated in the Olympic Games.\nThe artist of the coin dedicated to the Olympic movement in Latvia emphasizes the idea of the unity of culture, reflecting ancient Greek Olympic athletes and Latvian Olympic athletes in national costumes.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]truck in 2012 by Koninklijke Nederlandse Munt",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]truck in 2012 by Koninklijke Nederlandse Munt"
},
"connections": [
"187"
]
}
]
},
{
"title": "Other coins",
"id": "72",
"text": "",
"collectionCoins": [
{
"id": "73",
"name": "Coin of Fortune",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "15.00 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "28.00 mm",
"metal": "silver, fineness .925",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "999",
"longDate": "2001 (dated 2002) Münze Österreich (Austria)",
"image": "IMG/content/73/FotorCreated(1)_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/73/FotorCreated(1).png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Ilmārs Blumbergs (graphic design), Jānis Ronis (plaster design)\nHave you ever thought of the possibility that all your wishes could come true if only you would pick up a lost coin? Have you ever encountered the power of Fortune, hearing it whisper: if only you would have chosen a different course of action, all things would have been different.\nOn the coin's reverse, the waning moon slides away lightly brushing against a wafting cloud. It vanishes, disappears without trace, leaving the sky wrapped in darkness and mystery, open to chance.\nOn the coin's obverse, the golden sun reigns over the heaven. The circle that stands for its daily round is the logical and symbolic sign for the complete, confined and self-contained world – the powerful serpent of destiny.\nThe two sides of the coin signify the two aspects of man's existence – freedom and predestination.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]truck in 2001",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]ruck in 2001 (dated 2002) Münze Österreich"
},
"connections": [
"137",
"181"
]
},
{
"id": "74",
"name": "Commemorative Coin National Library of Latvia",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "31.47 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "38.61 mm",
"metal": "silver, fineness .925",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "2002",
"longDate": "2002 by Rahapaja Oy (Finland)",
"image": "IMG/content/74/FotorCreated_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/74/FotorCreated.png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Arnis Kleinbergs (graphic design), Jānis Strupulis (plaster design)\nThe national library is a matter-of-course element in the culture of every country. The design of the new building has been created. The sketch of the forthcoming building of the National Library, which will house modern communication and information facilities, embodies symbols meaningful to the Latvians. The Glass Mountain is a symbol of obstacles confronting any creative individual. The Castle of Light stands for the nation's aspirations for freedom and spirituality, the virtues that need to be released from oppression, despair and confinement. The shaft of light connecting the coin's obverse and reverse stands for hope in the future.\nA sketch of the building of the National Library of Latvia is featured in the lower part of the coin's reverse. A vertical of polished rhombic dots like a shaft of light rises above the central motif, crossing the upper part of the obverse from the centre to the right.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Arnis Kleinbergs",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]Jānis Strupulis"
},
"connections": [
"139",
"121"
]
},
{
"id": "79",
"name": "Commemorative Coin Baron Münchhausen",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "31.47 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "38.61 mm",
"metal": "silver, fineness .925",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "2005",
"longDate": "2005 by Koninklijke Nederlandse Munt (the Netherlands)",
"image": "IMG/content/79/FotorCreated_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/79/FotorCreated.png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Arvīds Priedīte (graphic design), Jānis Strupulis (plaster model)\nAs children, no doubt, we all have read about the Baron von Münchhausen's jolly exploits. About Münchhausen's most favourite dog, with a lantern tied to its tail for the master to be able to go hunting in the darkness of the night. About the blind wild boar that walked in the steps of its piglet, catching at its tail. About the tree with wonderful sweet cherries growing between the antlers of a deer (Münchhausen had used cherry stones instead of bullets). And about the ducks that having swallowed pieces of bacon tied to a string took off like a string of beads and brought the adventurer straight home.\nThe bold and witty officer was a real person Hieronymous Karl Friedrich von Münchhausen (1720-1797) who married his friend's, Baron von Dunten's, daughter Jacobina von Dunten and lived in Vidzeme till 1750.\nReverse
The images of Baron Münchhausen's stories are depicted in a circle against a smooth background: the Baron himself with a rifle in his hands and a hunting dog at his feet, a pheasant, two hares, a deer and a wild boar.\nObverse
A dog with a lantern tied to its tail is depicted on a dull surface in the central field of the coin. It is surrounded by a row of seven flying ducks, with Baron Münchhausen clutching at the last one, against a smooth background. The inscription 2005 is arranged in a semicircle at the top of the coin; a semicircular inscription VIENS SIMTS SANTĪMU (one hundred santims) is in the left lower part of the coin.\nEdge. Inscriptions LATVIJAS BANKA (Bank of Latvia) and LATVIJAS REPUBLIKA (Republic of Latvia), separated by a dot.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Arvīds Priedīte",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]Jānis Strupulis"
},
"connections": [
"127",
"121"
]
},
{
"id": "80",
"name": "Commemorative Coin Ice Hockey World Championship",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "31.47 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "38.61 mm",
"metal": "silver, fineness .925",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "2005",
"longDate": "2005 by Staatliche Münze Berlin (Germany)",
"image": "IMG/content/80/FotorCreated(1)_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/80/FotorCreated(1).png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Artis Rutks (graphic design), Ligita Franckeviča (plaster model)\nThe hosting of the Ice Hockey World Championship 2006 in Riga is a significant sports achievement for Latvia. It is a convincing indication that Latvia's national hockey team has earned a well-deserved place in the international hockey elite and that Latvia stands out on the world map of this sport. Also Latvia's hockey fans have become well-known far afield. They accompany the national team to the game sites in numbers often reaching 6 000. As befits a singing nation, Latvians fill any hockey hall with their songs and their pride of belonging to a country with a fighting spirit.\nThe obverse of the coin features the large coat of arms of the Republic of Latvia in the central field. The reverse of the coin features a puck, images of two hockey players viewed from above and the inscriptions RĪGA 2006, \"Pasaules čempionāts hokejā\" and \"Ice Hockey World Championship\".",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Artis Rutks",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]Ligita Franckeviča"
},
"connections": [
"145",
"178"
]
},
{
"id": "81",
"name": "Coin Commemorating the Barricades of January 1991",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "31.47 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "38.61 mm",
"metal": "silver, fineness .925",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "2006",
"longDate": "2006 by Rahapaja Oy (Finland)",
"image": "IMG/content/81/FotorCreated(1)_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/81/FotorCreated(1).png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Juris Petraškevičs (graphic design), Andris Vārpa (plaster model)\nThe peaceful resistance of the people of the Baltic States to the last attempts of the collapsing USSR to suppress their aspirations to independence, and its high point, the barricades in city streets in January 1991, took place over a relatively brief period of time, yet its significance is long lasting.\nVariations of the image of Lāčplēsis depicted on the coin was used in national demonstrations, and also during the events of January 1991. The frozen bonfires symbolize fire and cold, warmth, solidarity and a lasting moment, romance of winter silence, fair and uncertainty. Fire crystals warm up, frighten and hurt.\nThe obverse of the coin features stylized bonfire flames; Lāčplēsis, the Latvian mythological hero, is depicted with a raised sword in the centre of the reverse of the coin against a background of concrete block barricades, with the rising sun behind him; the concrete blocks bear fragments of the appeals to fight for freedom.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Juris Petraškevičs",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]Andris Vārpa"
},
"connections": [
"135",
"133"
]
},
{
"id": "82",
"name": "Coin of Digits",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "27 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "(thelongestdiagonal)38.61 mm",
"metal": "silver, fineness .999",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "2006",
"longDate": "2006 by Münze Österreich (Austria)",
"image": "IMG/content/82/FotorCreated_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/82/FotorCreated.png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Ilmārs Blumbergs (graphic design), Jānis Strupulis (plaster model)\nSimilarly to a circle which is a traditional shape for modern coins, the numeral seven also implies accomplishment. The numeral seven has been considered a mysterious, even supernatural number.\nThe obverse of the heptagon-shaped coin, featuring a lattice of Oriental ornaments and the central disc incorporating a shining zero sign, is a reminder of Arabic numerals used nowadays to represent numbers. The reverse depicts a clean-cut Roman numeral one, like a soldier standing to attention in the centre of the coin.\nThe Coin of Digits reminds us that numbers are symbols created by people and having great power. In the modern world, we also use digits \"0\" and \"1\" for transmitting information electronically. It is just two digits!",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Ilmārs Blumbergs",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]Jānis Strupulis"
},
"connections": [
"137",
"121"
]
},
{
"id": "83",
"name": "Commemorative Coin Sigulda",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "31.47 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "38.61 mm",
"metal": "silver, fineness .925",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "2007",
"longDate": "2007 by the Koninklijke Nederlandse Munt (the Netherlands)",
"image": "IMG/content/83/FotorCreated(1)_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/83/FotorCreated(1).png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Arvīds Priedīte (graphic design), Jānis Strupulis (plaster model)\nIn the 11th century, the Liv tribes, of Finno-Ugrian origin, settled near the lower part of the river Gauja. In 1207, the Order of Swordbearers and Albert, the Bishop of Riga, divided between themselves the conquered lands of the Livs. The Order built a stone fortress SIEGEWALD (from German \"the Wood of Victory\") on the left bank of the Gauja, and a town of tradesmen developed around it. In 1214, the Castle of Turaida was built for the Bishop Albert.\nObverse
A horse – the Steed of Destiny – is featured in the centre of the obverse of the coin. As recorded in the Chronicle of Henry of Livonia, in 1191 the horse stepped over the divining sword using his life-symbolising right front leg, saving Theoderich, a Brother of the Cistercian Order, whom the Livs were considering sacrificing to their gods, and thus supposedly testifying to the Christian God's power. The image of the Steed of Destiny symbolises the conversion of the local tribes to Christianity and their adaptation to Western culture. The rose depicted in the upper part of the coin is a dedication to the Rose of Turaida whose short life served as testimony to the power of true love.\nReverse
The reverse of the coin features the Gauja Valley with the Turaida Castle and Sigulda Castle ruins.\nEdge. The inscriptions LATVIJAS REPUBLIKA (Republic of Latvia) and LATVIJAS BANKA (Bank of Latvia), separated by dots.\nIn 2008, the coin Sigulda was awarded the second prize in the nomination \"International Prize Vicenza Palladio\" for the best architectonic representation at the exhibition Vicenza Numismatica in Italy.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Arvīds Priedīte",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]Jānis Strupulis"
},
"connections": [
"127",
"121"
]
},
{
"id": "84",
"name": "Coin of Life",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "31.47 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "38.61 mm",
"metal": "silver, fineness .925",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "2007",
"longDate": "2007 by the Monnaie de Paris (France)",
"image": "IMG/content/84/FotorCreated_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/84/FotorCreated.png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Ilmārs Blumbergs (graphic design), Ligita Franckeviča (plaster model)\nThe creator and life are mysteriously connected, as are the artist's design and its viewer. An understanding of the miracle of life is the program and task represented by this coin.\nObverse
Two golden heart-shaped leaves linked with a silver line are placed in the centre. The laconic composition entails a two-fold message – a fresh two-leaf shoot as a seedling of life and lips and a kiss as a symbol of love, faithfulness and respect, also the treachery of Judas… In other words, it is a concentrate of human experience.\nReverse
The reverse of the coin features Mother embracing a child in golden swaddling-clothes. The Madonna icon has always been one of the most popular icons, for people turn to it when they need to strengthen their hope and faith. In nowadays \"icon\" has become a computer term that’s associated with launching a program or performing a task.\nIn 2008, the Coin of Life was awarded the nomination \"Successful artistic solution\" at the contest \"Coin Constellation\" (Монетное созвездие).\n ",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Ilmārs Blumbergs",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]Ligita Franckeviča"
},
"connections": [
"137",
"178"
]
},
{
"id": "85",
"name": "Coin of Latvia",
"nominal": "20 lats",
"weight": "10.00 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "22.00 mm",
"metal": "gold, fineness .9999",
"quality": "UNC",
"tirage": "",
"date": "2008",
"longDate": "2008 by Münze Österreich (Austria)",
"image": "IMG/content/85/FotorCreated(1)_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/85/FotorCreated(1).png",
"video": "",
"text": "Author: Teodors Zaļkalns; the plaster model, based on the author's sample, was made by Ligita Franckeviča\nThe Coin of Latvia is a special sign of recognition of an outstanding Latvian sculptor, since it carries out the project conceived by Teodors Zaļkalns (Grīnbergs until 1930; 1876-1972) in 1922 to create a 20-lats gold coin.\nIn 1922, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the \"Regulation on Money\" stipulating also the minting of gold coins (10- and 20- lats coins) and stating that one gold lats coin was deemed equal to one French gold franc coin. However, the Ministry of Finance later waived the rights to mint gold lats coins as at that time only the currency of two countries, Latvia and Switzerland, could be exchanged for gold (the legal tender in Latvia at that time was the Latvian ruble) and it was expected to establish the Bank of Latvia in a near future. Thus, a decision was only made to issue silver lats coins.\nThe obverse of the coin features a woman in a headscarf, which to any Latvian signifies motherhood. Mother is the symbol of never-ending cycle of life, linking the past, present and future generations. The feminine principle gives life to an individual and likewise is at the core of the family and state. The symbols on the reverse of the coin, bread, apple, vessel with a curdled milk beverage and a jug of milk, also signify fertility and plenitude. A knife, symbolizing masculine action, is placed next to the feminine images.\nIn 2009, the Coin of Latvia was awarded the second prize in the nomination \"Gold coin of the year\" at the contest \"Coin Constellation\" (Монетное созвездие).\nIn 2010 Coin of Latvia received the \"Best Gold Coin\" and \"2010 Coin of the Year Award\" from the magazine \"World Coin News\" (the awards were given for coins minted in 2008).",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Author: ",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]Au"
},
"connections": [
"191",
"178"
]
},
{
"id": "86",
"name": "90th Anniversary of Latvia's Statehood",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "31.47 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "38.61 mm",
"metal": "silver, fineness .925",
"quality": "UNC",
"tirage": "",
"date": "2008",
"longDate": "2008 by Rahapaja Oy (Finland)",
"image": "IMG/content/86/FotorCreated_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/86/FotorCreated.png",
"video": "",
"text": "Author: Aigars Bikše\nThe Republic of Latvia was proclaimed on 18 November 1918, at a time when the official coat of arms, the national flag and anthem, as well as the national currency had yet to be introduced. Instead, the founders of the Republic displayed courage, initiative and faith in free Latvia. The radiant sun featured on the insignia of the Latvian riflemen was displayed on the first coat of arms of the Republic of Latvia.\nLike a white butterfly with red wings the flag flutters in the hands of Latvia's children again. Time has shown that it is the loving children of any country, their lack of guile, power of hope and ability to grow, that are the best defenders of a country and its symbols.\nObverse
The first coat of arms of the Republic of Latvia designed by the sculptor Burkards Dzenis (1879-1966) is depicted in the centre, with an image of the red-white-red national flag underneath.\nReverse
The reverse features a child's stylised picture of a boy and a girl holding a small national standard in their joined hands.\n ",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Author: ",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]Au"
},
"connections": [
"187"
]
},
{
"id": "87",
"name": "Coin Basketball",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "31.47 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "38.61 mm",
"metal": "silver, fineness .925",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "2008",
"longDate": "2008 by Rahapaja Oy (Finland)",
"image": "IMG/content/87/FotorCreated(1)_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/87/FotorCreated(1).png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Frančeska Kirke (graphic design), Ligita Franckeviča (plaster model)\nOf all sports, basketball is the most popular in Latvia. For almost a century now, we have been witnessing breathtaking victories, experiencing surges of unforgettable emotions, and, what is more, we have been proud of Latvia.\nObverse
Three stars and the inscription LATVIJA underneath are featured on the background of a basketball ball.\nReverse
The reverse features two athletes playing basketball.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Frančeska Kirke",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]Ligita Franckeviča"
},
"connections": [
"155",
"178"
]
},
{
"id": "88",
"name": "Lucky Coin",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "22.00 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "35.00 mm",
"metal": "silver, fineness .925",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "2008",
"longDate": "2008 by Rahapaja Oy (Finland)",
"image": "IMG/content/88/FotorCreated_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/88/FotorCreated.png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Arvids Priedite (graphic design), Janis Strupulis (plaster model)\nChimney-sweeps are always smiling and cheerful, for they are aware that people are glad to see them, even if their chimney does not need sweeping or there is no chimney at all. This is because chimney-sweeps are believed to bring good luck. When people unexpectedly see a chimney-sweep walking down the street, they think of a wish and rub a black button on his coat for all their yearnings and desires to come true.\nObverse
A cat in the centre is featured against the background of city roofs.\nReverse
Against the background of rooftops, in the centre a chimney-sweep is holding a ladder in his right hand and a coil of rope and a brush with weight in his left hand. A cat is placed lower centre.\nIn 2009, the silver Lucky Coin was awarded the prize \"Silver coin of the year\" at the contest \"Coin Constellation\" (Монетное созвездие).",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Arvids Priedite",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]Janis Strupulis"
},
"connections": [
"127",
"121"
]
},
{
"id": "89",
"name": "Coin The Piglet",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "20.00 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "34.00 mm",
"metal": "silver, fineness .925",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "2008",
"longDate": "2008 by Rahapaja Oy (Finland)",
"image": "IMG/content/89/FotorCreated(1)_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/89/FotorCreated(1).png",
"video": "",
"text": "The coin was designed using the drawing by Emilija Adumane and modelled by Ligita Franckevica\nIn 2008, the Bank of Latvia invited children from all over Latvia to the contest of drawings entitled \"My Dream Coin\". Over four thousand young coin designers took part. Emilija Adumane, a six-year old girl from Riga, managed to win the tough competition with her drawing of the 1 lats (\"lac\" in her spelling) coin featuring a pig, the symbol of welfare, generosity and cheer, which is among Latvians' favourite archetypes. In Latvian folklore, the pig has been a regular companion of humans since time immemorial, a curious embodiment of peacefulness and well-being.\nObverse
The large coat of arms of the Republic of Latvia is placed in the centre.\nReverse
The reverse features a pig, the symbol of welfare, generosity and cheer. The inscription LAC 1 (1 lats) is above it.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]T",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]Th"
},
"connections": [
"178"
]
},
{
"id": "90",
"name": "Coin University of Latvia",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "31.47 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "38.61 mm",
"metal": "silver of .925 fineness",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "JĀIELIEK",
"longDate": "2009 by Koninklijke Nederlandse Munt (the Netherlands)",
"image": "IMG/content/90/FotorCreated_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/90/FotorCreated.png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Guntars Sietiņš (graphic design), Jānis Strupulis (plaster model)\nThe University of Latvia is only a year younger than the state itself, and its founding presented an opportunity for Latvian scientists scattered all over the world to feel united and raise a new generation of Latvian scientists.\nThe University of Latvia is the only classical university in Latvia and the country's largest higher educational establishment offering study programmes in natural sciences, humanities and social sciences. The university provides academic and professional knowledge. It is sure to become Alma Mater for many young and inquisitive minds in the future.\nObverse
The coat of arms of the University of Latvia is depicted in the centre: an oak with its branches symbolising the faculties, encircled by a laurel wreath, with the inscriptions UNIVERSITAS LATVIENSIS, the name of the University of Latvia in Latin, and SCIENTIAE ET PATRIAE (\"To Science and Fatherland\"), the motto of the University of Latvia, arranged above and beneath the oak respectively.\nReverse
The reverse features the main building of the University of Latvia, with an owl, the symbol of wisdom, sitting on books and a rose, a dedication to the beautiful female students, behind the owl.\nEdge. The words VIVAT, CRESCAT and FLOREAT, separated by rhombic dots.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]T",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]Th"
},
"connections": [
"149",
"121"
]
},
{
"id": "91",
"name": "Coin Times of the Surveyors",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "31.47 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "38.61 mm",
"metal": "925° silver",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "JĀIELIEK",
"longDate": "2009 by Koninklijke Nederlandse Munt (the Netherlands)",
"image": "IMG/content/91/FotorCreated(1)_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/91/FotorCreated(1).png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Laimonis Šēnbergs (graphic design), Ligita Franckeviča (plaster model)\n\"Mērnieku laiki\" (\"Times of the Surveyors\") is the first Latvian full-length novel about land surveying in the time period from 1867 to 1873 in Vecpiebalga and Jaunpiebalga (Slatava and Cangaliena in the novel) penned by two brothers, Reinis and Matīss Kaudzītes.\nThe names of the protagonists featured on the coin have come to be used as common nouns to signify buffoonery, avarice, pretentious nationalism, self-righteousness, vulgarity, and other human foibles. The fact that decades later the redistribution of properties, the so-called times of the surveyors and their dubious values are still topical in Latvia is symbolised on the obverse of the coin by the Ķencis with a 5 lats banknote under his arm.\nObverse
Ķencis, with a whip in his hand and a 5 lats banknote under his arm, is featured on the obverse of the coin.\nReverse
The reverse of the coin features the characters of the novel \"Mērnieku laiki\" (\"Times of the Surveyors\") and their respective names – PĀVULS, ŠVAUKSTS, PIETUKA KRUSTIŅŠ, LIENA, OLIŅIETE, and PRĀTNIEKS.\nEdge. The inscriptions LATVIJAS REPUBLIKA (Republic of Latvia) and LATVIJAS BANKA (Bank of Latvia), separated by rhombic dots.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Mērnieku laiki\"",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]ērnieku laiki\" (\"Times of the Surveyors\") is the first Latvian full-length novel about land surveying in the time period from 1867 to 1873 in Vecpiebalga and Jaunpiebalga"
},
"connections": [
"219",
"178"
]
},
{
"id": "92",
"name": "Coin of Water",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "26.00 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "32.00 x 32.00 mm",
"metal": "silver of .925 fineness",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "JĀIELIEK",
"longDate": "2009 by Rahapaja Oy (Finland)",
"image": "IMG/content/92/FotorCreated_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/92/FotorCreated.png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Ilmārs Blumbergs (graphic design), Jānis Strupulis (plaster model)\nWater (H2O) is the basic element of every form of life known to man. It covers ¾ of the Earth's surface. At the same time, the majority of people suffer from fresh water shortages. High-quality water is becoming an ever greater value.\nWater has always been a decisive factor in the history of mankind. It has always been a source of health and joy bringing harmony to the stressful run of modern life.\nAccording to the research the shape of ice crystals depends on both purity of water and impact of sounds of music and human speech. The more harmonious the music, the more beautiful the crystal's shape is. At the same time, the idea of collaboration between the human mind and the mighty natural element is encoded in the unusual shape of the coin – a square.\nObverse
The obverse of the coin features a path of a drop of water and drops of water. The year MMIX (2009 in Roman numerals) is featured along the lower part of the right upper side of the coin.\nReverse
A water crystal is depicted on the reverse of the coin.\nIn 2010, the Coin of Water won the award \"Unique Idea Solution\" at the contest \"Coin Constellation\" (Монетное созвездие), organised by Watermark Publishing House, the Russian numismatics publishing house.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]ater",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]ter"
},
"connections": [
"137",
"121"
]
},
{
"id": "93",
"name": "Coin Duke Jacob's 400th Anniversary",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "31.47 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "38.61 mm",
"metal": "silver of .925 fineness",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "JĀIELIEK",
"longDate": "2010 by Koninklijke Nederlandse Munt (the Netherlands)",
"image": "IMG/content/93/FotorCreated(1)_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/93/FotorCreated(1).png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Ilze Lībiete (the design after a medal commemorating Duke Jacob), Ligita Franckeviča and Jānis Strupulis (plaster model)\nDuke Jacob (1610-1681) is the most prominent member of the Kettler dynasty that ruled in the Duchy of Courland and Semigallia (1561-1795) until 1737.\nHe was given a European upbringing and education. The broad vision he thus developed later allowed the Duke to modernise his realm. 70 manufactories were established in Courland, over 135 ships were built; churches and schools were erected. Courland's merchant marine was the largest in the Baltic Sea. Duke Jacob set up colonies on the Tobago Island in the Caribbean and the delta of the Gambia River in Africa. Apart from bringing international recognition to Courland, they promoted the transit of colonial goods.\nDuke Jacob has become a next-to-mythological personage embodying the image of the \"good and smart\" ruler. Yet, the continuation of his life is not a mere historical legend – the Kettlers' blood must be running through the veins of more than one royal family of present-day Europe.\nObverse – Duke Jacob's portrait in profile is depicted in the centre and the inscription IACOBUS DEI GRATIA IN LIVONIA CVRLANDIAE & SEMIGALLIAE DVX encircles the central motif along the coin's edge, while the reverse features the coat of arms of the Duchy of Courland and Semigallia.\n\nAt the international collector coin contest Coin Constellation 2011 held in Russia, Duke Jacob's 400th Anniversary won the award in the nomination Coin Classic.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]uke Jacob",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]ke Jacob (1610-1681) is the most prominent member of the Kettler dynasty that ruled in the Duchy of Courland and Semigallia"
},
"connections": [
"207",
"178",
"121"
]
},
{
"id": "94",
"name": "Coin Declaration of Independence",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "31.47 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "38.61 mm",
"metal": "silver of .925 fineness",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "JĀIELIEK",
"longDate": "2010 by Rahapaja Oy (Finland)",
"image": "IMG/content/94/FotorCreated_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/94/FotorCreated.png",
"video": "",
"text": "Coin Declaration of Independence\nFace value: 1 lats\nMeasurements: weight: 31.47 g, diameter: 38.61 mm\nMetal: silver of .925 fineness; quality: proof\nStruck in 2010 by Rahapaja Oy (Finland)\nArtists: Ilmārs Blumbergs (graphic design), Ligita Franckeviča (plaster model)\nOn 4 May 1990, 138 of 195 deputies voted for Latvia's independence from the USSR at the Supreme Soviet of the Latvian SSR meeting on the restoration of independence of the 1918 Republic of Latvia that had been occupied since 1940. Since Lithuania and Estonia had adopted similar decisions already in March, this vote was of great importance as proof of Baltic unity.\nThe people's representatives walked out of the meeting hall, their fingers forming the victory sign. Three flowers in the national colours to everybody! The state language, the national anthem, the national flag. Three countries on the shore of the Baltic Sea united in their struggle for independence.\nShaking off the yoke of oppression, Mother Latvia stood tall. In the joy of victory, thousands of pairs of hands rolled the heavy, sweet, and most valuable load of freedom on her shoulders. Each and every patriot must now help to carry it - an ever-rotating earth, an ever-running millstone or a life-sustaining sun. The miracle of 4 May 1990 should never be dropped or put aside as too heavy.\nObverse – a brnch with three opening buds. Reverse – an image symbolising Mother Latvia with a millstone on her shoulders and the inscriptions NEATKARĪBAS ATJAUNOŠANA (Restoration of Independence), 4. maijs (4 May) and year 1990.",
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{
"id": "95",
"name": "Amber Coin",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "20.70 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "35.00 mm",
"metal": "silver of .925 fineness and amber",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "2010",
"longDate": "2010 by Rahapaja Oy (Finland)",
"image": "IMG/content/95/FotorCreated(1)_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/95/FotorCreated(1).png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artist: Aigars Bikše\nForty million years ago the territory of present-day Latvia looked very much different. Among the vegetation, there were the so-called amber pines (Pinus succinifera). If their bark was injured, these trees oozed a great amount of resin. The resin flowed to the ground, fossilised, and, when many million years later water washed out the ancient bedrock, the waves threw to the shore small pieces of the petrified substance, which we call amber.\nThis semiprecious stone is one of the first minerals used by the human race. The routes of the coins and amber have tended to cross many times over the course of history. Amber jewellery has been made in Latvia for thousands of years, and at that time it was also used as an exchange commodity. The oldest coins found in the Latvian territory came from ancient Rome by way of the so-called Amber Route.\nObverse
A transparent amber cylinder of appropriate thickness featuring amber washed ashore by the sea waves has been set into the centre of the coin.\nReverse
An eye with an amber pupil featured on the seaside sand tells us: \"Forty million years passed, and amber saw a human being for the first time…\"\nEdge. Plain.\n\nAt the international collector coin contest Coin Constellation 2011 held in Russia, Amber Coin won the award in the nomination Original Technology.\nLatvians have assessed the Amber Coin (artist Aigars Bikše) as the most beautiful of the Bank of Latvia's collector coins issued since 1993.\n92 coins were assessed in the public poll My Coin conducted within the framework of events dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the restoration of the lats. In March and April 2013, more than 8 000 people voted on the Bank of Latvia's web page and in the multimedia exhibition \"Ls • 20. Art Years of the National Currency\".",
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{
"id": "96",
"name": "Coin The Latvian ABC Book",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "31.47 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "38.61 mm",
"metal": "silver of .925 fineness",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "2010",
"longDate": "2010 by Rahapaja Oy (Finland)",
"image": "IMG/content/96/FotorCreated_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/96/FotorCreated.png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Arvīds Priedīte (graphic design), Ligita Franckeviča (plaster model).\nEducation begins with learning to read. Reading skills are based on our very first book, the ABC, which explains the relationship between letters and sounds. The first authors of Latvian ABC books were German Lutheran ministers, with the greatest contribution from the Alūksne minister Ernst Glück (1652–1705) and Sunākste minister Gotthard Friedrich Stender (1714–1796). Most probably the first Latvian ABC book was printed around 1683: a fragment of it in the form of uncut sheets was found at the library of the University of Tartu in 1941. It bears an image of a proud rooster symbolising the light of dawn and knowledge.\nObverse
The obverse of the coin depicts a scene of Latvian peasant children mastering the first reading skills.\nReverse
There is a reproduction of a rooster from the oldest known Latvian ABC book and an inscription \"Latviešu ābece\" in stylised gothic letters in the centre.\nEdge. Inscriptions LATVIJAS BANKA (Bank of Latvia) and LATVIJAS REPUBLIKA (Republic of Latvia), separated by rhombic dots.",
"meta": {
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{
"id": "97",
"name": "Coin Fog mists the pane",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "26.00 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "32.00 x 32.00 mm",
"metal": "silver of .925 fineness;",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "2011",
"longDate": "2011 by Rahapaja Oy (Finland).",
"image": "IMG/content/97/FotorCreated(1)_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/97/FotorCreated(1).png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Ilmārs Blumbergs (graphic design), Ligita Franckeviča (plaster model)\nLatvians are a nation of poets. Latvians hardly lack in professional poets, yet there are few that are truly beloved.\nIt may seem unusual that at the very top of the list of favourites is the great Latvian modernist and urban poet, Aleksandrs Čaks (1901–1950) whose poetry is often quite complicated and hardly perceivable. Yet his poetry has found its way to the readers' hearts and has had a great impact on both his contemporaries and future generations of Latvian poets.\nMany of Čaks's poems are very musical; however composers took their time to find a musical key to this character-loaded and rhythmically varied poetry. During Čaks's lifetime, some poems acquired melodies by anonymous authors, as the song \"Confession\" whose first line reads: \"Fog mists the pane. Why go on and deny...\"\nObverse
The obverse of the coin presents a motif of a window. The window-panes feature imprints of lips and leaves.\nReverse
The reverse of the coin features cobble-stone paving, inscriptions of authors name and dates of his birth and death, as well as a polished image of a leaf with a dulled imprint of lips on it.\nEdge. Plain.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Ilmārs Blumbergs",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]Ligita Franckeviča"
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{
"id": "98",
"name": "Coin Rundale Palace",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "31.47 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "38.61 mm",
"metal": "silver of .925 fineness",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "2011",
"longDate": "2011 by Koninklijke Nederlandse Munt (the Netherlands).",
"image": "IMG/content/98/FotorCreated_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/98/FotorCreated.png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Guntars Sietiņš (graphic design), Jānis Strupulis (plaster model)\nThe cornerstone of Rundāle Palace was laid on 24 May 1736. Under the Russian court architect Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli, a summer palace was built for Count Ernst Johann Biron – the favourite of the Russian Empress Anna Ivanovna (acceded to the throne of the Duchy of Courland and Semigallia in 1737).\nSince then, the palace has experienced a number of host shifts, war, and has served different purposes, being a noble residence, school, and even a grain warehouse. In 1972 the Palace Museum was established in these premises. Currently, it is being considerably renovated and is one of the greatest and the most outstanding monuments of Latvian art. The palace with its park and the largest rose garden in Baltic States forms a sizeable ensemble surrounded by undisturbed nature of the Zemgale Plain. Complex is a part of the European Heritage Site.\nObverse
The coat of arms of Earl Ernst Johann von Biron designed by the architect Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli.\nReverse
The reverse features helicopter view images of the Palace and the adjacent regular park.\nEdge. The inscriptions LATVIJAS REPUBLIKA and LATVIJAS BANKA, separated by dots.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Guntars Sietiņš",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]Jānis Strupulis"
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{
"id": "99",
"name": "Coin Riga Money 800",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "12.50 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "28.00 mm",
"metal": "silver of .925 fineness;",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "2011",
"longDate": "2011 by Rahapaja Oy (Finland)",
"image": "IMG/content/99/FotorCreated(1)_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/99/FotorCreated(1).png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Inta Sarkane (graphic design), Jānis Strupulis (plaster model)\nThe right to mint own money has always been a symbol of independence and certain level of economic development. As early as the second half of the 11th century, the small ethnic groups living in the present-day territory of Latvia, particularly the Livs, made imitations of Western European denars.\nIn the 13th century the crusaders, propagators of faith, and traders also brought their money along. Little silver bars, referred to as oserings, were also used as a means of payment.\nRiga asserted its independence in 1211, when Bishop Albert granted the traders from Gotland the right to mint coins in the Bishopric of Riga. The most important precondition was that they had to be as good and as weighty as the Gotland money and that 4.5 so-called pfennig marks should be equal in weight to one Gotland silver mark. The design might differ. The coins minted in the Bishopric of Riga remained long unidentified.\nObverse
The obverse of the coin features a pfennig of Bishop Albert's time (1198–1229) centred on a plain surface, displaying a front view of bishop wearing a mitre, holding a cross in his right hand and a crosier in his left, both with a small ball above. Along the edge of the coin, there is a belt of pearls.\nReverse
The reverse features the original pfennig on a dulled surface, which is surrounded by the legend comprising a cross and bishop's crosier in a crossed position, the symbol of the Archbishopric of Riga. Translation of inscription sounds as: \"Albert, by the grace of God, Bishop of Riga New silver money\". Along the edge of the coin, there is a belt of pearls.\nEdge. Inscriptions LATVIJAS REPUBLIKA (Republic of Latvia) and LATVIJAS BANKA (Bank of Latvia) separated by dots.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Inta Sarkane",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]Jānis Strupulis"
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{
"id": "100",
"name": "Coin Riga Cathedral",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "22.00 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "35.00 mm",
"metal": "silver of .925 fineness;",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "2011",
"longDate": "2011 by Rahapaja Oy (Finland)",
"image": "IMG/content/100/FotorCreated_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/100/FotorCreated.png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Kristaps Ģelzis (graphic design), Ligita Franckeviča (plaster model)\nJuly 25th, 2011 marks the 800th anniversary of the date when a cornerstone of the Riga Cathedral was laid. Assembling people, the Riga Cathedral has always pointed at the transcendent that stands above us all, above the times and the changes they bring.\nThe Riga Cathedral is the home of the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church. Its spiritual life is formed and fostered by the Riga Cathedral's congregation. The Cathedral has become a centre for Latvian Christians, with services often celebrated ecumenically by the heads of all Christian denominations. The Cathedral is a place where, independent of creed or other affiliation, any seeker is welcome.\nThe architecture of the Cathedral has not changed substantially since the 13th century, yet each century has left a mark of its own. The Riga Cathedral is an important witness of the ages, people, and eternity.\nObverse
The obverse shows an angel (an architectural detail of the Riga Cathedral.\nReverse
The reverse displays the building of the Riga Cathedral and cross on its left.\nEdge. Two inscriptions Latvijas Banka (Bank of Latvia) separated by rhombic dots.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Kristaps Ģelzis",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]Ligita Franckeviča"
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{
"id": "101",
"name": "Coin Railway in Latvia",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "22.00 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "35.00 mm",
"metal": "silver of 925 fineness;",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "2011",
"longDate": "2011 by Koninklijke Nederlandse Munt (the Netherlands)",
"image": "IMG/content/101/FotorCreated(1)_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/101/FotorCreated(1).png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Aigars Ozoliņš (graphic design), Ligita Franckeviča (plaster model)\nIn 1860, the stretch of the St. Petersburg–Warsaw railroad to Daugavpils (then Dvinsk) was completed. The first trains rolled over Latvian land and the first steam engines were produced. The construction of the railway was initiated by the Riga Stock Exchange with the aim to develop port facilities and manufacturing in Riga.\nThe most important routes before the World War I led from Riga to Orel in Russia, from Liepāja to Romny in Ukraine, and from Ventspils to Moscow. As late as the turn of the 20th century, the train was the only mechanised land transport.\nIn 1938, the total length of serviceable railroads reached 3 350 km. In terms of density of the railroad network to the number of population Latvia was second in Europe after Sweden.\nNowadays the railway infrastructure is managed by a state stock company Latvijas Dzelzceļš.\nObverse
The obverse features a wheel of steam locomotive.\nReverse
An image of steam locomotive is placed in the centre. The central field is surrounded by a plain dotted area.\nEdge. Inscriptions LATVIJAS REPUBLIKA (Republic of Latvia) and LATVIJAS BANKA (Bank of Latvia) separated by rhombic dots.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Aigars Ozoliņš",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]Ligita Franckeviča"
},
"connections": [
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{
"id": "102",
"name": "Stone Coin",
"nominal": "J1 lats",
"weight": "13.60 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "35.00 mm (central disc of 22.00 mm)",
"metal": "central field of granite, outer ring of silver of .925 fineness",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "JĀIELIEK",
"longDate": "2011 by Rahapaja Oy (Finland)",
"image": "IMG/content/102/FotorCreated_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/102/FotorCreated.png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Laimonis Šēnbergs (graphic design) and Jānis Strupulis (plaster model)\nThe Balts have always assigned stone a great symbolic value of eternity and timelessness. The close ties the word granite has with farmers' greatest treasure (in Latin, granum means \"grain\") evoke associations with harvest in the widest sense. In Latvian everyday life, stone has always had its place as a cornerstone laid when building a house, a grindstone put in much use, or cobblestones to line romantic old town streets.\nThe granite core of the coin and the rays of the rising sun are the symbols of vitality and profoundness. The speckled granite disc in the reverse of the coin is framed by a silver band with Latvian ornaments which suggest strict dynamism and particular order: the simple gradually evolves into the complicated. This idea of ornamental motif has been borrowed from the legendary Lielvārde belt. In Latvian tradition, a belt possesses magical properties to protect the wearer and to ensure regeneration of plant, animal and human life.\nObverse
A disc of gray granite is embedded in the centre, with the inscription LATVIJA on the silver outer ring above it, the inscription 2011 on the right, and semi-circled inscription 1 LATS underneath.\nReverse
The central part features a gray granite disc encircled by a pattern of Latvian national ornaments on the silver outer ring.\nEdge. Two inscriptions LATVIJAS BANKA, separated by dots.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Edge: ",
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{
"id": "103",
"name": "Riga Zoo",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "27.00 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "35.00 mm",
"metal": "silver of .925 fineness",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "2012",
"longDate": "2012 by Rahapaja Oy (Finland)",
"image": "IMG/content/103/FotorCreated(1)_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/103/FotorCreated(1).png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Ivars Mailītis (graphic design); Ligita Franckeviča and Ivars Mailītis (plaster model)\n \nObverse\nThe obverse features the central entrance gates with the inscription ZOODĀRZS (ZOO) and groups of exotic animals on both sides. The semi-circled inscription RĪGAS ZOOLOĢISKAIS DĀRZS (RIGA ZOO) and the year 1912 beneath it are at the top. The inscription 1 LATS is semi-circled at the bottom.\n \nReverse\nThe reverse features a circle of seven animal figures.\n \nEdge\nThe inscriptions LATVIJAS BANKA (Bank of Latvia), LATVIJAS REPUBLIKA (Republic of Latvia) and 2012, separated by dots.\n \nAs we enter the Riga National Zoo through the gate built in 1912, we find ourselves in a completely different world. Animals from Europe and Asia, Africa and Australia as well as those from the Americas live side by side here. The Zoo's collection currently comprises 3 200 animals of 420 species, and about one third of the species are capable of producing offspring. Over 90 of the species represented here are included in the world's list of endangered species while 30 have international pedigree records. The Zoo is a participant in 32 reproduction programmes of the endangered species of Europe. One of its successes is the reintroduction project of the European tree frog: the species that was practically extinct can be found in its former habitats around Liepāja. Internationally, this has been recognised as one of the 30 best amphibian reintroduction projects in the world.\n \nThe Riga Zoo celebrates the 100th anniversary since its founding with lots of visitors, a well established infrastructure and ambitious plans for the future. This collector coin is a special gift from the Bank of Latvia to mark the occasion.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Ivars Mailītis",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]tists: Ivars Mailītis (graphic design); Ligita Franckeviča and Ivars Mailītis"
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{
"id": "104",
"name": "RIGA TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "26.00 g",
"shape": "a square formed of two detachable triangles",
"diameter": "32.00 mm x 32.00 mm",
"metal": "silver of .925 fineness",
"quality": "proof, with gilded elements and latent images",
"tirage": "",
"date": "2012",
"longDate": "2012 by Rahapaja Oy (Finland).",
"image": "IMG/content/104/FotorCreated_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/104/FotorCreated.png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artist: Kristaps Ģelzis\n \nObverse\nThe upper triangle is designed as a protractor, with the inscription LATVIJAS REPUBLIKA (Republic of Latvia) semi-circled in the centre. The longer side of the lower triangle features a calibrated ruler, with the inscription 1 Lats underneath.\n \nReverse\nThe upper triangle bears the inscription RĪGAS TEHNISKĀ UNIVERSITĀTE (Riga Technical University) on the background of Riga panoramic view in relief. The lower triangle features gilded images of a pair of compasses and a triangle ruler, the elements of the logo (coat of arms) of the Riga Technical University, on the background of the reflection of Riga panoramic view in straight, relief lines which become visible at a particular angle of viewing. Depending on the angle of viewing, the years 1862 and 2012 become visible on the lower vertex.\n \nEdge\nPlain.\n \nOn 14 October 2012, the Riga Technical University, established under the name of Riga Polytechnical Higher School as the very first institution of higher learning in the present-day territory of Latvia and the first technical university in the Baltic States, marked its 150th birthday. In the course of 150 years of the RTU existence, many outstanding researchers were educated and worked there. In 2011, the RTU offered degree courses to almost 15 thousand students and employed a total of 412 researchers, and its academic staff numbered 531. Close cooperation with industry, private research and development (R&D) sector, financial institutions, professional service providers, and other universities in Latvia and across the globe is of vital importance as well.\n \nAcknowledging that money is the most influential auxiliary instrument to satisfy human thirst for knowledge and creativity, the artist KristapsĢelzis has designed the collector coin dedicated to the RTU as a small yet practically employable tool, which enables the measurements of size, direction and source of origin. Likewise, modern technologies have been of particular importance for the emergence of this coin.",
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{
"id": "105",
"name": "
5-lats Silver Collector Coin ",
"nominal": "5 lats",
"weight": "25.00 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "37.00 mm",
"metal": "silver of .925 fineness",
"quality": "tamped back",
"tirage": "",
"date": "2012",
"longDate": "2012 by The Royal Mint (United Kingdom)",
"image": "IMG/content/105/FotorCreated(1)_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/105/FotorCreated(1).png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artist: Rihards Zariņš\n \nObverse\nThe large coat of arms of the Republic of Latvia is placed in the centre. The numeral 5, topped with the year 2012, is inscribed beneath the central motif. The inscriptions PIECI and LATI, arranged in a semicircle, are placed to the left and right of the central motif respectively.\n \nReverse\nThe central motif is a Latvian folk-maid in profile, viewed from the right side. The girl has ears of corn on her shoulder. The inscriptions LATVIJAS and REPUBLIKA, arranged in a semicircle, are placed to the left and right of the central motif respectively.\n \nEdge\nThe inscriptions DIEVS, SVĒTĪ and LATVIJU, separated by three hexagonal stars.\n \nAfter World War I, when Latvia had become an independent state, among the authors of the new lats banknotes and coins was the graphic artist Rihards Zariņš (1869–1939). The 5-lats silver coin, one of the coins designed by him, was particularly popular. For the obverse of the 5-lats silver coin he chose the large coat of arms of the Republic of Latvia, which was created on the basis of the draft design of the state coat of arms made by the graphic artist Vilhelms Krūmiņš (1891–1959). On the reverse he depicted a Latvian folk-maid as a symbol of national ethical purity and virtue of hard work.\n \nThe prototype of the Latvian folk-maid was Zelma Brauere (1900–1977), a proof-reader of the State Securities Printing House, whose youth, beauty and gentle demeanour fascinated many people. The generalisation of her image finds the most exquisite expression on the silver 5-lats coin, with the plaster model by Percy Metcalfe, a distinguished engraver of The Royal Mint, United Kingdom, contributing to its attainment.\n \nWhen during World War II the occupational regimes replaced one another and Latvia lost its independence and national currency, this silver coin became a symbol of freedom and statehood for the nation, a comforting ray of hope for those scattered in Siberia and in exile across the globe.\n \nTo mark the 90th anniversary of the Bank of Latvia and the national currency unit, the lats, and the 20th anniversary of the renewed lats, the Bank of Latvia issued a new silver 5-lats coin in 2012 using the original electrotypes produced in 1929 and employed in minting this coin in 1929, 1931 and 1932.",
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{
"id": "106",
"name": "RŪDOLFS BLAUMANIS",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "22.00 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "35.00 mm",
"metal": "silver of .925 fineness",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "2012",
"longDate": "2012 by Regia Autonomǎ Monetǎria Statului (Romania).",
"image": "IMG/content/106/blaumanis-rev_m.png",
"backgroundImage": "IMG/content/106/blaumanis-rev.png",
"video": "",
"text": "Artists: Aigars Ozoliņš (graphic design) and Ligita Franckeviča (plaster model)\n \nObverse\nA homestead surrounded by trees, nestling on a tree leaf, is depicted in the centre of the obverse. The inscriptions LATVIJAS REPUBLIKA, arranged in a semicircle, and 1 LATS are placed above and beneath the central motif.\n \nReverse\nThe right field features the portrait of Rūdolfs Blaumanis on the background of the titles of the writer's works. The inscription \"Rūdolfs Blaumanis\" is placed in the left lower part of the reverse, with the year 2013 below the portrait.\n \nEdge\nTwo inscriptions LATVIJAS BANKA (Bank of Latvia), separated by rhombic dots.\n \nIt seems there is hardly any Latvian who has never seen \"Skroderdienas Silmačos\" (Tailor Days at Silmači) by Rūdolfs Blaumanis (1863–1908), with its Midsummer Night's atmosphere and vivid characters drawn from rural life. The comedy \"No saldenās pudeles\" (From the Sweet Bottle) also pokes inoffensive fun at country life and morals. Blaumanis' most important contribution to Latvian literature is his serious work in fiction and drama: \"Indrāni\", \"Ugunī\" (Into the Fire), \"Nāves ēnā\" (In the Shadow of Death), \"Purva bridējs\" (The Swamp Wader), \"Raudupiete\", \"Salna pavasarī\" (Frost in Spring) and many others. They draw their power from the masterful depiction of entangled relationships and contradictions among people and their often tragic resolution. The search for human harmony is centred around the ideal of family and native land. It is hardly surprising, given that Blaumanis lived in one of the most picturesque places in northern Latvia.\n \nBlaumanis was also an accomplished poet. Lines from his poem of 1902, \"The Bugler of Tālava\" were also Blaumanis' credo:\n\"My gold is my people,\nMy pride is my people's pride!\nWhoever comes to destroy it,\nShall perish and ride to hell!\"\n \nCelebrating Rūdolfs Blaumanis' contribution to Latvian culture, the Bank of Latvia has issued a coin dedicated to the 150th anniversary since his birth.",
"meta": {
"plasticAuthor": "[!]Aigars Ozoliņš",
"graphicAuthor": "[!]tists: Aigars Ozoliņš (graphic design) and Ligita Franckeviča"
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{
"id": "107",
"name": "Silver salmon",
"nominal": "20 lats",
"weight": "11.00 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "21.75 mm",
"metal": "silver of .925 fineness",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "JĀIELIEK",
"longDate": "2013 by UAB Lietuvos monetų kalykla (Lithuania)",
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"text": "Artists: Gunārs Lūsis (graphic design), Jānis Strupulis (plaster model)\nObverse\nThe large coat of arms of the Republic of Latvia, with the year 2013 inscribed below, is placed in the centre. The inscriptions LATVIJAS and REPUBLIKA, each arranged in a semi-circle, are above and beneath the central motif, respectively.\nReverse\nA salmon, the symbol of Latvia's abundant water resources, is shown jumping out of the water from left to right. The numeral 20, with the inscription LATS in a semi-circle beneath it, is centred in the lower part of the coin.\nEdge\nTwo inscriptions LATVIJAS BANKA (Bank of Latvia), separated by rhombic dots.\nSalmon on the 1 lats coin is not just a delicious variety of fish found in the Latvian waters. Salmon is the king of the water and a symbol that ascertains Latvian love of nature that is a basic national trait. To be out in the nature, it is a lifestyle and a way of seeing the world. Salmon points to the value of labour in a direct and indirect sense: following the work ethic, and putting away coin after coin, people have managed to accumulate substantial wealth. The salmon symbol also points to one of the basic occupations of the Latvians, fishing, as well as to the impact on our lives of water – be it river, lake or the sea.\nTwenty years is a period that contains many historic events and accomplishments; there have been great hopes and successes but also mistakes and failures. At times headstrong and proud, at other times humble and prudent, industrious and as diverse as the life itself, we have a stable position in the world at large.\nThe Bank of Latvia is commemorating the birth date of the Latvian lats by issuing a silver replica of the original 1 lats coin with a twenty times increased nominal value, the latter bearing a symbolic reference to the anniversary. The awareness of a job well done as well as our fondness for the lats creates a special value added for us.",
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"id": "108",
"name": "Jāzeps Vītols",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "22.00 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "35.00 mm",
"metal": "silver of .925 fineness",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "JĀIELIEK",
"longDate": "2013 by Koninklijke Nederlandse Munt (the Netherlands)",
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"text": "Artists: Arvīds Priedīte (graphic design), Jānis Strupulis (plaster model)\nObverse\nJāzeps Vītols's portrait in profile is in the centre of the obverse of the coin. The inscription JĀZEPS VĪTOLS is semi-circled on the left, the digit 1 on top of the inscription LATS is on the right, and Jāzeps Vītols's facsimile signature is at the lower part of the obverse.\nReverse\nThe lower part of the reverse features five horizontal parallel lines, from which rays of light are spreading out like an arc, with a semi-circled inscription GAISMU SAUCA, GAISMA AUSA (We called for light and there was light) at the top, and the year 2013 at the bottom.\nEdge\nThe inscriptions LATVIJAS BANKA (Bank of Latvia) and LATVIJAS REPUBLIKA (Republic of Latvia), separated by rhombic dots.\nJāzeps Vītols (1863–1948) had two working lives. He was a professor at the St. Petersburg Conservatory, music critic, friend of Rimsky-Korsakov, Liadov and Glazunov as well as an activist of the Latvian community in St. Petersburg. After the founding of an independent Latvian state, Jāzeps Vītols returned to Latvia and established a conservatory, thereby laying the cornerstone for professional musical education in the young Latvian state. The memories of Vītols's pupils speak of great respect and love for their teacher.\nVītols was also the author of witty, self-ironic memoirs, a reviewer of musical events, a conductor, an active public figure, and, last but not least, a composer. Over the years, Jāzeps Vītols contributed several compositions of instrumental chamber music and piano pieces, some symphonic scores and, at the top of the list, his solo songs and choir songs. His \"I\" finds its expression in aristocratic reticence, which, nevertheless, is not devoid of passion, tragedy, love, or a good joke.\nThe motto of the collector coin dedicated to Vītols's 150th anniversary is \"Gaismu sauca, gaisma ausa\" (We called for light and there was light), as there is indeed much light in Vītols's music. The choir song Gaismas pils (Castle of Light) (1900) has been one of the most powerful symbols of the Latvian Song Festivals for years.",
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"id": "109",
"name": "Rihards Vāgners",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "22.00 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "35.00 mm",
"metal": "silver of .925 fineness",
"quality": "proof",
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"date": "JĀIELIEK",
"longDate": "2013 by Koninklijke Nederlandse Munt (the Netherlands)",
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"text": "Artists: Aigars Ozoliņš (graphic design of obverse), Ivo Grundulis (graphic design of reverse) and Ligita Franckeviča (plaster model)\nObverse\nIn the centre of obverse, there is a sailing ship in the billowing sea, with semi-circled inscription 1 LATS on the right and the year 2013 at bottom left.\nReverse\nReverse features Richard Wagner's portrait in profile in the centre, his facsimile signature at bottom left, and a semi-circled inscription RĪGA and the years 1837–1839 on the right.\nEdge\nInscriptions LATVIJAS BANKA (Bank of Latvia) and LATVIJAS REPUBLIKA (Republic of Latvia), separated by rhombic dots.\nRichard Wagner (1813–1883), a genius of German music, served as main bandmaster at the Riga City Theatre from August 1837 to June 1839. He conducted the last guest performance in Mitau (now Jelgava) and decided not to return to Riga where debts and court proceedings were waiting for him. The composer with his wife Minna and dog Robert secretly crossed the border between Russia and Prussia to go to the Prussian port Pillau (now Baltiysk, Kaliningrad region). From there Wagner embarked on his sea voyage that proved an inspiration to his opera \"The Flying Dutchman\", during a storm reading \"From the Memoirs of Herr von Schnabelewopski\" by Heinrich Heine, which he had purchased in Riga.\nRiga was the second city which in 1843, a few months after its Dresden premiere, saw a performance of \"The Flying Dutchman\". This opera was important not only to the German culture and the Baltic German circles of Riga. It was also performed in Latvian on 18 November 1918 at the occasion of proclaiming Latvia's statehood. The style of Wagner's musical dramas, where the swelling and even exaggeration of means of artistic expression became an aesthetic norm, was one of the elements that contributed to the triumph of eclecticism and art nouveau in Riga at the turn of the 20th century.\nThe coin \"Rihards Vāgners\" issued by the Bank of Latvia is a dedication to the composer on the occasion of the 200th anniversary since his birth and a memorial to his active life period in Riga when he began work at his first important opera \"Rienzi\", taking away the solutions dictated by the limitations of what is now known as Wagner Hall (the seating arrangement with an incline to improve visibility, an unlit auditorium and lit stage as well as the deeper orchestra pit) as innovations for the Bayreuth theatre.",
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"id": "110",
"name": "Baby Coin",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "22.00 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "35.00 mm",
"metal": "silver of .925 fineness",
"quality": "proof",
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"date": "JĀIELIEK",
"longDate": "2013 by UAB Lietuvos monetų kalykla (Lithuania)",
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"text": "Artists: Anita Paegle (graphic design), Jānis Strupulis (plaster model)\nObverse\nIn the centre of the obverse, there is a cradle, held by a bird, with a baby in it. The inscription LATVIJAS REPUBLIKA is semi-circled beneath it.\nReverse\nThe reverse features a mouse pulling a chest, with the inscription \"1 lats\" below.\nEdge\nThe inscription LATVIJAS BANKA and the year 2013, each repeated twice, are separated by rhombic dots.\nThe parents' joy over the new birth is shared by the close and more distant relatives and friends. In some countries, the excitement over the expected newcomer is expressed even before the birth. Thus, in Latvia there is the tradition, celebrated in many folk-songs, of visiting the newborn about a month after his or her arrival. Along with wishes of happiness and good health we tend to bring the newborn some present. Many a jewellery box contains a silver spoon or horseshoe shaped brooch, a golden cross or heart on a chain. A popular present is a silver or gold coin serving as a symbolic starting capital for a materially secure life.\nThe Baby Coin issued by the Bank of Latvia is just such a present. The concept behind it is the wish to secure family ties, for children represent an existential issue for any country and nation. Both the giver and the taker of present, the Baby Coin, will enjoy the little mouse on the reverse of the coin pulling a chest full of sweet dreams. Join in and put also the Baby Coin in the chest!",
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"id": "111",
"name": "Oh, holy Lestene!",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "1.2442 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "13.92 mm",
"metal": "gold of .9999 fineness",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "JĀIELIEK",
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"text": "Artists: Laimonis Šēnbergs (graphic design), Ligita Franckeviča (plaster model)\nObverse\nAn acanthus leaf design from the side decor of the altar of the Lestene Church is featured in the centre, with semi-circled inscriptions LATVIJA 2013 on the left and 1 LATS in its lower part.\nReverse\nThe head of an angel from the church altar occupies the lower part of the reverse, with the inscription AK, SVĒTĀ LESTENE! (OH, HOLY LESTENE!) semi-circled above it.\nEdge\nReeded.\nThe Lestene Church was once the most spectacular historic religious building in the Latvian countryside. In 1704–1709, the famous Nicolaus Söffrens, Jr., wood carver of the Duke of Courland's Ventspils shipyard, adorned the church with carvings ordered by the owner of the Lestene estate Karl Friedrich von Fircks. In Lestene the master made a whole set of woodcarvings: pulpit, confessional, organ case, pews and patrons' box. The organ, made in 1707 by the most outstanding organ builder of the Baroque period in Latvia Cornelius Rahneus, was concealed behind a magnificent case where, while the organ was played, the carved figures were moved by a mechanism: angels played musical instruments, beating the timpanos and fluttering their wings; King David was the conductor, and, above it all, a great eagle was flapping its wings.\nAlmost to the very end of World War II everything had survived in its original form in the Lestene Church. But then came disastrous times: Soviet artillery shelling caused the church spire to burn down and the altar was damaged. In the post-war period, the church was systematically vandalised. Owing to artist Jurģis Skulme, the sculptures were saved. The surviving parts of the ensemble were gathered in the Rundāle Palace Museum where, as of 1983, they could be seen in a partially restored form.",
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"id": "112",
"name": "365",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "16.40 g",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "30.00 mm",
"metal": "silver of .925 fineness",
"quality": "proof",
"tirage": "",
"date": "JĀIELIEK",
"longDate": "2013 by Koninklijke Nederlandse Munt (Netherlands)",
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"text": "Artist: Paulis Liepa\nObverse\nThe obverse features a circle symbolising 360 + 5 degrees, including also the time reference point. The year 2013 is placed on the circle at the top. The concentric lines within the circle represent 1 second, 1 minute, 1 hour, 1 day, 1 month and 1 year. The inscription LATVIJAS REPUBLIKA is semi-circled at the bottom.\nReverse\nThe reverse features an intricate pattern of lines which turn into circles; the diagram comprises a shiny sector resembling the form of the number 1. The inscription LATS is placed at the lower part of the reverse to the right from the shiny sector.\nEdge\nPlain.\n\"What changes, endures\". This idea expressed by Rainis in his play \"The Golden Horse\" over a hundred years ago is more topical today than ever before: Latvia is poised on the threshold of an important change marked by its historic accession to the euro area. The 1 lats silver coin entitled \"365\" puts a symbolic full stop to the era of the renewed lats. This number is particularly noteworthy among others, for it makes one recall the days of the year with their endless diversity of events and the flow of life. The circle on the obverse of the coin symbolises 360 + 5 degrees, including the time reference. From there, one second, one minute, one hour, one day, one month and one year begin their course; the linear graphic symbols of all of these units of time have been arranged in concentric lines. An interesting rebus of fractions has also been encoded in the coin, based on the number 4: seasons, points on the compass, quarters. The ¾ likewise has its meaning: a dance rhythm, an angle of a portrait, etc. On the reverse, the magic of numbers is transformed into the symbol for one lats. The intricate pattern of lines, resembling our fingerprints, turn into shiny circles as if forming the aura of time.\nThe coins of the Bank of Latvia bear emotional, poetic or metaphoric messages; the coin \"365\" is another one, offering intellectual and scientific reflection on the topic of time and change.",
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"title": "Coins of Time",
"id": "75",
"text": "Coins of Time\nThe \"Coin of Time\" triptych issued by the Bank of Latvia contains collector coins in a blue, violet and green colour. The obverse of each of the triptych coins features a distinctive flower of the heraldic rose, the symbol of love and beauty, and a token of respect for the discoverer of niobium Heinrich Rose (1795-1864) who launched his career in Latvia.At the same time, the reverse of the coins features the symbols characterising the passing of time. The central part of the niobium disk can be used for recording important personal events of one's life or engraving a message for the recipient of the coin.",
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"id": "76",
"name": "Coin of Time I",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "17.15 g (weight of the central circle 7.15 g)",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "34 mm (diameter of the central circle – 23 mm)",
"metal": "central circle – niobium; the outer ring – silver, fineness .900",
"quality": "UNC",
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"date": "900",
"longDate": "2004 by Münze Österreich (Austria)",
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"text": "Artists: Laimonis Šēnbergs (graphic design), Jānis Strupulis (plaster design)\nHeinrich Rose (1795-1864) started his carrier as a chemist and carried out his first investigations as an apprentice of a pharmacy in Jelgava at the beginning of the 19th century. Later he moved to Berlin, served as professor at the University of Berlin, and was member of the Prussian Academy of Sciences. In 1844, Heinrich Rose profoundly investigated the minerals columbites and tantalites from a variety of countries and discovered in them a new element with its chemical properties close to those of tantalum. H. Rose called this new element niobium. The names of both chemicals are derived from Greek mythology: Goddess Niobe was the daughter of Tantalus, son of Zeus. Niobium finds use in systems that are to operate in high temperatures and aggressive environments. Though it is a long time since multi-coloured coins, produced by coating the metal with enamel or dye, have been known to the numismatic circles, the use of niobium in coin minting started quite recently when Münze Österreich recognised the ability of the metal to create shades of colours as a result of electrochemical processing.\nObverse
The niobium field of the obverse features a heraldic rose, symbol of love and reverence. The tiny, hardly visible letters H and R are a discreet reminder of the scientist who worked and made his discovery in Latvia.\nReverse
The reverse of the coin features an astronomical clock whose historical prototype can be seen in the luxuriant pediment of the Blackheads House. The clock dial lacks hands, and the central field of the blue niobium disc is empty. It entices and encourages the observance (engraving) of an essential solemn occasion – a child coming into the world, a daring idea flashing up, a significant activity successfully completed, a new family formed, – of anything that is an Event in human life. It is the Coin of Time, meant as a gift to embody personal memories of essential moments of life.",
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"id": "77",
"name": "Coin of Time II",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "17.15 g (weight of the central circle 7.15 g)",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "34.00 mm",
"metal": "central circle – niobium; the outer ring – silver, fineness .900",
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"date": "900",
"longDate": "2007 by Münze Österreich (Austria)",
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"text": "Artists: Laimonis Šēnbergs (graphic design), Jānis Strupulis (plaster design)\nThe design concept of the second bimetallic coin issued by the Bank of Latvia has been built around the Zodiac circle, a popular mathematical abstraction reflecting the ascendancy of the universe over human destiny.\nObverse
The dark purple niobium field features the heraldic five-petalled rose, the most popular representation of a flower suggestive of love, feminine passion, beauty and source of inspiration. Letters H and R stand for Heinrich Rose (1795-1864), the discoverer of niobium.\nReverse
The outer silver ring features the Zodiac circle and stands for the year, which begins in the middle of one winter and ends in the middle of the following winter. The central part of the coin suggests the fiery disc of the Sun. The unhurried observer will be able to discern that the rays actually conceal ascetically designed plants that change along with the four seasons. The central field is left blank: the owner can engrave his or her own sign of destiny.",
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"id": "78",
"name": "Coin of Time III",
"nominal": "1 lats",
"weight": "17.15 g (weight of the central circle 7.15 g)",
"shape": "",
"diameter": "34.00 mm",
"metal": "central circle – niobium; the outer ring – silver, fineness .900",
"quality": "UNC (uncirculated; a coin that has never been in circulation)",
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"date": "900",
"longDate": "2010 by Münze Österreich (Austria)",
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"text": "Artists: Laimonis Šēnbergs (graphic design), Jānis Strupulis (plaster design)\nThe reverse of the third, green, bimetallic collector coin of the \"Coin of Time\" triptych issued by the Bank of Latvia features different phases of the Moon. Many believe that each lunar phase plays a certain role in the processes taking place on earth and in people's lives.\nObverse
A symbol of a heraldic rose with letters H and R (initials of the discoverer of niobium Heinrich Rose) beneath it is placed in the central part of the obverse of the coin.\nReverse
The outer ring of the reverse of the coin features representations of the eight lunar phases, and the centre of the circle depicts various landscape elements arranged in the form of a wreath. The green background features a bird's eye view of forests, fields, rocks, and watery wastes of our planet viewed in a circle. They symbolically provide a change of scale from the global to the more human, as they evoke associations with the Advent or Midsummer Solstice wreaths, a tangible representation of the great routes incessantly travelled by the Sun, the Earth, and the faithful companion of the latter, the Moon.\n\nAt the international collector coin contest Coin Constellation 2011 held in Russia, Coin of Time III won the award in the nomination Unique Concept.",
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"id": "115",
"name": "Aivars Krūklis",
"birthDate": "born May 6, 1944",
"title": "Designer.",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "Specializing in graphic and industrial design, the author has taken part in designing equipment once popular in Latvia (e.g., the minibus Latvija and several products of the Riga Industrial Production Union Radiotehnika). Recipient of 18 Author's Certificates. Participant in design shows. In recent years has been mainly active in graphic design.\nMember of the Extended Council of Professors of the Latvian Academy of Arts.\n",
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"id": "117",
"name": "Gunārs Cīlītis",
"birthDate": "03.05.1927.–11.02.2007.",
"title": "Painter and graphic artist.",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "Active in painting and book graphics, he also drew caricatures and posters. As a book illustrator, he was famous as a virtuoso of form and a master of philosophical ideas. His sophisticated caricatures are based on the grotesque and the paradoxical.\nMany emotional animations, e.g., Dullais Dauka, Puķu Ansis, Vanadziņš and Pasaka par vērdiņu were based on the artist's sketches.\n",
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"name": "Henrihs Vorkals",
"birthDate": "born January 2, 1946",
"title": "Active in textile art, painting, graphic design and interior design.",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "One of the most prominent Latvian aquarellists. Participant in significant group exhibitions in Latvia and elsewhere in Europe. Several one-man shows. Vorkals' works have been included in prominent collections in Latvia and abroad (Moscow, New York).\nHenrihs Vorkals observes the world around us with precision and irony. His personal aesthetics reflect popular culture starting with the 1960s (particularly as expressed by such personalities as Marilyn Monroe and Mick Jagger).\nThe artist explains that his creative method is based on the ideas of Pythagoras, i.e. that the principle of order of all things is found in mathematics.",
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"id": "121",
"name": "Jānis Strupulis",
"birthDate": "born January 28, 1949",
"title": "Sculptor, painter, medal designer.",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "One of the distinguished masters of medal art, the founder and president of the Latvian Medal Art Club, member of the German Medal Art Association, representative of Latvia in the International Medal Art Federation, honorary member of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, Strupulis has made approximately 700 medals since 1975. His works have been exhibited at 57 museums in 16 countries, including the Vatican. Participant in approximately 350 exhibitions in 23 countries since 1971.\nPursuing his interest in heraldry, the artist has designed many coats of arms (e.g., the plastic model for the coat of arms of Salaspils and Stopiņu pagasts).\nHe has also designed Latvian circulation coins.",
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"id": "123",
"name": "Laimonis Šēnbergs",
"birthDate": "born March 31, 1947",
"title": "Graphic designer, poster and environmental artist, Chairman of the State Heraldry Commission, Artistic Advisor to the Bank of Latvia.",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "Participant in over 40 competitions in Poland, Finland, the United States, Japan and elsewhere, he has designed books, arranged exhibitions, has been active in applied graphics. Recipient of many international awards, Šēnbergs was among the artists who brought about a radical change in the Latvian poster art at the end of the 1980s making them more communicative. He has served as the chief artist of the Song Festival (in 1990 and 1993). The Latvian passport is based on Šēnbergs' design.\n\n",
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"id": "125",
"name": "Edgars Folks",
"birthDate": "born November 12, 1951",
"title": "Graphic artist and painter.",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "Author of still-lifes, landscapes, and portraits, he has illustrated books for both children and adults, in his detailed renditions of plants and animals emphasizing the cognitive aspects of a literary work. Illustrator of James Herriot's Cat Stories and Uldis Plotnieks' Zaļās zāles zemē as well as novels by Edgar Wallace and others, Folks has repeatedly received awards for his work.\n\n",
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"46",
"69"
]
},
{
"id": "127",
"name": "Arvīds Priedīte",
"birthDate": "born September 22, 1946",
"title": "Textile artist.",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "He has made many tapestries, some of them even as three-dimensional objects, focusing on the traditional folklore. Author of posters for and participant of a number of textile art shows. Priedīte is recipient of several awards.\n\n",
"image": "IMG/content/127/4.1.07.png",
"connections": [
"21",
"22",
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"49",
"50",
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"67",
"68",
"79",
"83",
"88",
"96",
"97",
"108"
]
},
{
"id": "129",
"name": "Olga Šilova",
"birthDate": "born March 31, 1966",
"title": "Sculptress.",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "Characterized by a consistency of style, perfectionism and elegance, Šilova's works have been included in almost all presentations of Latvian contemporary art abroad. The artist has been involved in the creation of the most interesting and positively charged environmental design objects: an amber clock made of 50 litres of amber in Liepāja, an interactive sculpture called Bučotāji and others. She is also the author of the award The Golden Apple-Tree for the competition Pride of Latvia.\n\n",
"image": "IMG/content/129/Olga.png",
"connections": [
"37"
]
},
{
"id": "131",
"name": "Gunārs Krollis",
"birthDate": "born June 23, 1932",
"title": "Graphic artist, illustrator of books, professor at the Latvian Academy of Art, Head of the Master Class of Etching, writer.",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "Has had twenty one-man shows in Latvia and abroad. A regular participant in international exhibitions in many European countries, Japan, Jordan, Syria, the United States and elsewhere, Krollis has received several international awards and premiums. He has illustrated over one hundred books, making a valuable contributionto the development of book graphics and design.\nKrollis' talent for writing and telling fairy-tales was revealed in his book Pētergaiļa pasakas dedicated to his granddaughter. He is also the author of several song lyrics (R. Pauls and Credo, album Black Cry, 1986).\n",
"image": "IMG/content/131/Gunars Krollis.png",
"connections": [
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"57",
"58",
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]
},
{
"id": "133",
"name": "Andris Vārpa",
"birthDate": "born February 19, 1950",
"title": "Sculptor, Honorary Member of the Latvian Academy of Sciences.",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "One of the best sculptors in the memorial sculpture genre, he has created monuments to famous scientists (including A. Kirhenšteins, V. Ostvalds), artists (including K. Padegs at the Vērmanes Garden, J. Vītols at the Valmiera music school) etc. Has worked also in the genre of garden sculpture and medal art, has made memorial plaques. Participant in about a dozen one-man shows and many group exhibitions both in Latvia and abroad (Russia, Georgia, Germany, Cyprus, Denmark) with drawings in coal and mixed techniques.\n\n",
"image": "IMG/content/133/Andris Varpa.png",
"connections": [
"52",
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]
},
{
"id": "135",
"name": "Juris Petraškevičs",
"birthDate": "born May 25, 1953",
"title": "Graphic artist, designer, painter, publisher, illustrator.",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "One-man shows in Riga, Estonia, France, Norway, Belgium and group exhibitions on almost every continent. Recipient of several international awards.\nBook graphics take the central place in Petraškevičs' artistic achievement and he has been a repeat winner of annual competitions for the most beautiful Latvian book. Several animated cartoons, including Miega vilcieniņš (1998), have come to life through his drawings.\n",
"image": "IMG/content/135/4.1.11.png",
"connections": [
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},
{
"id": "137",
"name": "Ilmārs Blumbergs",
"birthDate": "born April 18, 1943",
"title": "One of the most prominent contemporary stage designers and graphic artists, poster artist and author of book illustrations.",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "The author of the set design for about two dozen productions in various Latvian theatres as well as two opera productions (Aida and The Magic Flute), he has also produced several dozen graphic works, bright-coloured and original book illustrations, and a series of expressive posters, mainly for theatre performances. Blumbergs' graphics have been exhibited in his one-man shows both in Riga and elsewhere in the world – Finland, Lithuania, the United States, Belgium, France.\nRecipient of major awards in all fields of his artistic activity.\nBlumbergs' graphics and his theatre set and costume design alike reverberate with profound philosophical insights.",
"image": "IMG/content/137/4.1.12.png",
"connections": [
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]
},
{
"id": "139",
"name": "Arnis Kleinbergs",
"birthDate": "born May 7, 1967",
"title": "Architect.",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "Works at the architects' bureau \"Arhis\". Author of several interior reconstructions of public buildings in the centre of Riga, his most expressive works are characterised by irregular compositions of objects. Kleinbergs is a member of the Support Foundation for the Latvian National Library.\n\n",
"image": "IMG/content/139/4.1.13.png",
"connections": [
"74"
]
},
{
"id": "141",
"name": "Dainis Pundurs",
"birthDate": "born September 30, 1965",
"title": "Ceramicist. Associate professor of Ceramics programme at the Latvian Academy of Arts.",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "Participant in many group exhibitions in Latvia and abroad, as well as several solo exhibitions. He offers creative, unexpected approaches, revealing the complexity of ceramics as an art form. Technically perfect, his works' ideal proportions express a unique way of thinking, involving the viewer in a pleasant game. Recipient of several awards, he has been an active participant at international pottery festivals.\n\n",
"image": "IMG/content/141/4.1.14.png",
"connections": [
"38"
]
},
{
"id": "143",
"name": "Sandra Belsone",
"birthDate": "1956 - 2011",
"title": "Designer.",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "Graduate of the Department of Industrial Art of the Latvian Academy of Arts. Major field of activity: graphic design. Participant in exhibitions since 1983. The artist has designed logos, graphic signs and style design for various events, companies and organisations: the Art Festival of the Baltic States in London (1995), the company Arkolat (1997), the LNT News Studio (1998), the party New Era (2002) etc. She is the author of the graphic design of the reverse of the 100-lats gold coin issued by the Bank of Latvia (1998).\n\n",
"image": "IMG/content/143/Belsone.png",
"connections": [
"62"
]
},
{
"id": "145",
"name": "Artis Rutks",
"birthDate": "born March 2, 1960",
"title": "Graphic designer.",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "Participant in exhibitions since 1985. Designer of the musical film \"God, Thine Land Is Burning!\", commercial artist for the company Balta (1988-1992), newspaper Nakts (1992-1994), magazine Māksla Plus.\n\n",
"image": "IMG/content/145/4.1.16.png",
"connections": [
"80"
]
},
{
"id": "147",
"name": "Arta Ozola-Jaunarāja",
"birthDate": "born January 10, 1966",
"title": "Graphic artist.",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "Works in book graphics and graphic art, paying particular attention to the poetry of dematerialised things, their primeval magical nature, expressing it in filigree mixture of techniques: etching, drypoint, letterpress and embossing. Recipient of several awards. Postage stamps from series drawn by the artist (\"National Costumes\", \"Christmas\", \"Jewellery\" etc.) have been very popular.\n\n",
"image": "IMG/content/147/4.1.17.png",
"connections": [
"24",
"25",
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]
},
{
"id": "149",
"name": "Guntars Sietiņš",
"birthDate": "born October 23, 1962",
"title": "Graphic artist, Professor and Head of the Department of Graphic Art at the Latvian Academy of Arts.",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "Has held several solo exhibitions in Latvia and abroad, as well as participated in many significant international graphic art exhibitions in Estonia, Poland, Japan, Sweden, Italy, Yugoslavia, Spain and elsewhere. Metaphysical and austere, with their harmonious composition, his works bring out the substance, texture and dimensions of the object. Sietiņš works in miniature graphics, book and periodicals graphics, and graphic design. Recipient of several prizes and honourable mentions.\n\n",
"image": "IMG/content/149/Sietins.png",
"connections": [
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]
},
{
"id": "151",
"name": "Ivo Grundulis",
"birthDate": "born January 21, 1972",
"title": "Graphic designer.",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "Ivo Grundulis has created a variety of visual images for a number of productions at the Latvian National Opera (The Magic Flute, Tosca, Demon etc.), the Daile Theatre (Penelope, The Pillowman etc.) and the New Riga Theatre (Miss Julia, A Month in the Country). Active in various projects. Author of computer art for the compact disks and posters of the youth choir Kamēr as well as for the books Taken Away and The Venetian Book.\n\n",
"image": "IMG/content/151/4.1.19.png",
"connections": [
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]
},
{
"id": "153",
"name": "Aigars Bikše",
"birthDate": "born February 8, 1969",
"title": "Sculptor and artist of installation and environmental objects.",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "Author of many sculptures, installation and environmental art objects that have deserved attention of colleagues, critics and public in Latvia and abroad. Participant in Echigo Tsumari triennial in Japan, biennial in Venetia (Italy) and biennial in Lodz (Poland). He has created scenography for several theatre performances.\nHis artistic works are often dedicated to social and political themes. In other words, Aigars Bikše's art can be characterised as untraditional.\nAssociate Professor of the Latvian Academy of Arts, Head of the Faculty of Visual Plastic Arts.",
"image": "IMG/content/153/4.1.20.png",
"connections": ["71", "86", "95"]
},
{
"id": "155",
"name": "Frančeska Kirke",
"birthDate": "born December 15, 1953",
"title": "Painter.",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "Frančeska Kirke is a painter of subtle taste and wide artistic amplitude. The artist's paintings represent her specific interpretation of relationships between the time and art. She is interested in both the contemporary art language and visual culture of past times. The artist is a master of intellectual and visual sign systems; she creates lasting cultural and historic imprints to be used when interpreting contemporary cultural concepts.\nArtist's works have been exhibited in Latvia, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Denmark, France, Greece, Israel, Russia, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Finland, Switzerland, Germany and other countries since 1974.\n",
"image": "IMG/content/155/4.1.21.png",
"connections": [
"87"
]
},
{
"id": "157",
"name": "Teodors Zaļkalns ",
"birthDate": "known as Teodors Grīnbergs until 1930; 30.11.1876–06.09.1972",
"title": "Sculptor, a founder of traditional Latvian sculpture.",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "Teodors Zaļkalns mastered his first painting and sculpture skills in St. Petersburg, Munich and Paris. He returned to Latvia in 1920. He was Professor and headed the Sculpture Department at the Latvian Academy of Arts (1944–1958). Zaļkalns' individual style is characterized by a combination of abstracted monolithic forms and exceptionally refined plasticity.\nTeodors Zaļkalns launched the traditions of stone sculpture in Latvia. The sculptor created portraits that were rich in subtle nuances, sculptures \"in the round\" and relief sculptures. Original is his contribution to the genre of memorial sculpture. At the contest for the design of the Freedom Monument, the sketch by Teodors Zaļkalns was recognized as the second best.\nAs to medal arts, Teodors Zaļkalns drew inspiration from the Italian Renaissance masters and producers of Greek antique coins; therefore, he produced medals as plastic reliefs.",
"image": "IMG/content/157/4.1.22.png",
"connections": [
"85"
]
},
{
"id": "159",
"name": "Kristaps Ģelzis",
"birthDate": "born October 24, 1962",
"title": "Graphic Artist.",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "Kristaps Ģelzis is a graduate of the Department of Graphics of the Art Academy of Latvia; since 1997, he is Assistant Professor at the Art Academy of Latvia. Specialising in graphics, watercolour painting, installations, video, digital photography and art objects. He uses paradox and irony to express his idea. Has held about 20 solo exhibitions. Author of many installations and objects (e.g. he received the International Jury Award for the installation \"Dream Journey\" at the 1st annual SCCA-Riga exhibition \"Zoom Factor\" in 1994). Created the cover design collages of the innovative magazine \"Avots\" (1990), has been engaged in advertising business. Winner of the \"Purvītis Prize 2011\". Represented Latvia at the 54th International Art Exhibition of the Venice Biennale (la Biennale di Venezia) with the project \"Artificial Peace\".\n\n",
"image": "IMG/content/159/4.1.23.png",
"connections": [
"100",
"104"
]
},
{
"id": "161",
"name": "Aigars Ozoliņš",
"birthDate": "born April 28, 1970",
"title": "Stage Designer.",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "Aigars Ozoliņš graduated from the Department of Stage Designers of Janis Rozentals Riga Art High-School and the Department of Scenography of the Art Academy of Latvia (1996). From 1997 to 2000, he worked as Chief Artist of the Daile Theatre. Created stage design for the productions at several Latvian theatres, e.g. \"Šveiks\" (The Good Soldier Svejk) at the Daile Theatre (1998), \"Death of a Salesman\" by A. Miller at the Latvian National Theatre (1998), the ballet \"Alice\" by A. Vilcāns at the Latvian National Opera (2002), \"Sister Carrie\" by Th. Dreiser at Riga Russian Theatre (2000), the musical by R. Pauls based on the novel \"Au Bonheur des Dames\" by É. Zola at the Liepāja Theatre (2002) etc. Worked also at the theatres in Šiauliai and Kaunas. Active in book design, poster and applied graphics.\n\n",
"image": "IMG/content/161/4.1.24.png",
"connections": [
"101",
"106",
"109"
]
},
{
"id": "163",
"name": "Inta Sarkane",
"birthDate": "born July 26, 1956",
"title": "Computer Artist.",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "Inta Sarkane graduated from the Faculty of Architecture of Riga Polytechnical Institute (1979). While working at the Institute of History at the Latvian Academy of Sciences she researched Latvian ethnographic architecture. Since 1991, active in the area of graphic design – the advertising and design agency \"Rhino Design\" (1991–2000) and the magazine \"Studio\" (1998–2007); artist of many art books and catalogues. Successfully cooperated with the publishing houses \"Neputns\", \"Dienas Grāmata\" and \"Zinātne\" in the area of book design. Created the graphic design of posters of performances, programmes and advertisements, as well as the promotional materials at the Latvian National Opera. She cooperated also with Latvian museums and archives. Since 1993, cooperates with the Bank of Latvia on a regular basis, processing images of lats banknotes and coins electronically for publication purposes and creating the graphic design of advertising materials, catalogues, booklets and annual reports.\n\n",
"image": "IMG/content/163/4.1.25.png",
"connections": [
"99"
]
},
{
"id": "165",
"name": "Ivars Mailītis",
"birthDate": "born on 14 March 1956",
"title": "Designer and stage designer.",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "I. Mailitis is active in installation and poster art, super design, and the area of films. Participant in international competitions and art exhibitions, a world famous avant-garde artist.\nThe artist is a co-author of the USSR pavilion for Expo 1992 in Spain, has designed and decorated the multi-national pavilion of the Baltic States in Korea, developed the concept of Latvia's pavilion and architectonic solution for Expo 2010 in China. In 2010, he developed a new internationalconcept of Mezaparka Liela estrade and has served as the lead artist of many Song Festivals. The artist also served as the lead artist of 2006 Ice Hockey World Championship and designed the symbol of the championship – a beaver.\nI. Mailitis has taken interest in the creation of monumental stage design and stage versions of films. He has applied the film animation techniques mastered in Finland to the following feature films: Spriditis, Kamols, Buris and Udensbumba resnajam runcim. Ivars Mailitis has created the visualimage of the folk-baroque opera Opera Ficta composed by Ugis Praulins (2011).",
"image": "IMG/content/165/Ivars_Mailitis.png",
"connections": [
"103"
]
},
{
"id": "167",
"name": "Krišs Salmanis ",
"birthDate": "born 2 February 1977",
"title": "Designer.",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "Graduated from the Faculty of Visual Arts of the Art Academy of Latvia and the Academy of Media Arts in Cologne (Germany). Since 1997, organises solo exhibitions regularly, participant of group exhibitions in Latvia as well as in Australia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Russia, the United Kingdom, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Slovenia, Finland, Thailand and Germany. Considered one of the most brilliant representatives of contemporary art in Latvia. The works by Krišs Salmanis are characterised as reserved, melancholic, intellectually grounded and visually exquisite. The artist produces graphic art drawings, performances, installations, photographs and videos, works in animation techniques. He is the co-owner of Frank & Stein advertising agency.\nThe works of Krišs Salmanis are held in the collections of the Latvian National Museum of Art, Latvian Museum of Contemporary Art, archive of video art from Central and Eastern Europe and Art Museum of Estonia.\n",
"image": "IMG/content/167/Kriss_Salmanis.png",
"connections": [
"70"
]
},
{
"id": "169",
"name": "Rihards Zariņš",
"birthDate": "27.06.1869–21.04.1939",
"title": "One of the most prominent and productive Latvian graphic artists of the beginning of the 20th century, a representative of the national romanticism, a master of graphic design and art teacher.",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "Born in Valmiera district, in the family of Ķieģeļi Manor manager Zarriņš, studied at Grīva German School of Daugavpils. 1887. Moved to St Petersburg in 1887 where he graduated from the Stieglitz Central School for Technical Drawing. In 1919, the artist returned to Latvia. He founded the Government Printing House and was its manager until 1933 as well as was the head of the graphic arts workshop at the Art Academy of Latvia.\nThe best-known and popular with the Latvia nation was the silver 5-lats coin designed by Rihards Zariņš, which became a symbol of the Latvia's statehood after the loss of its independence, during the World War II. In 2012, using the original electrotypes produced in 1929, the Bank of Latvia reissued the 5-lats coin drawn by Rihards Zariņš.\n",
"image": "IMG/content/169/Rihards_zarins.png",
"connections": [
"105"
]
},
{
"id": "170",
"name": "Anita Paegle",
"birthDate": "born 3 June 1956",
"title": "Graphic artist",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "Anita Paegle is a graduate from the Janis Rozentāls Riga Art School and the Art Academy of Latvia, Department of Graphic Art, Faculty of Visual Art. Currently she is a prolific illustrator of children's books.\nConstantly and with persevering effort, the artist is striving to improve and further develop her unique artistic handwriting. Her work tools are watercolours, and the finest brushes help her produce layers of paint resembling the texture obtained by pencil. Each tiny detail of her filigree drawings conjures up an image with its own soul and its own destination for arduous actions in the mysterious world.\nAnita Paegle who is the author of illustrations of many children's books has been participating in exhibitions, hosting also over 10 solo shows, at home and in such foreign countries as France, Italy, Poland, Russia, the Czech Republic and elsewhere. She has closely worked with Liesma, Sprīdītis, Garā pupa and Jāņa sēta book publishers. She has received several awards, among them the annual Zelta ābele (the Golden Apple-tree) Award, Jānis Baltvilks Prize (several times), and Indriķis Zeberiņš Award; she has also been the Pastariņš Award winner. The artist has recieved Tallin Triennial diploma for book illustrations. Anita Paegle is the only artist from the Baltic States who was nominated for Hans Christian Andersen Award in 2012.",
"image": "IMG/content/170/131120_LB_makslinieki_Anita_Naumova.png",
"connections": [
"110"
]
},
{
"id": "172",
"name": "Paulis Liepa",
"birthDate": "born 26 March 1978",
"title": "Graphic artist",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "Paulis Liepa was formally educated at the Department of Graphic Art of the Art Academy of Latvia. Simplicity, embodied in both subjects and techniques (collagraphy and cardboard cut) of his artworks, is the leitmotif of his creative endeavour. In contrast to the conventional printmaking techniques calling for specific equipment and sophisticated tools, Paulis Liepa uses the so-called surrogate techniques, i.e. layers of congealed glue, a knife, scraps of cardboard, and layer-upon-layer of paints. Samples of this apparently primitive technique, albeit producing a simplistic impression, conceal time-consuming and meticulous toil, achieving a feeling of the presence of by-gone days.\nAmong other graphic designers, Paulis Liepa excels in an eye-catching handwriting, which has brought him several awards, including the Grand Prix at the International Baltic Biennial of Graphic Art in Kaliningrad, Russia (2008), and the International Triennial of Graphic Art in Krakow, Poland (2012). As his daily routine, the artist creates animated music videos; he is the author of such video clips as for Gustavo's song Esi brīvs (Be Free!), which received the Music Award of the Year 2005, of animated elements for composition Daudz laimes (Happy Birthday!) by the same author (2011), and of the video clip for Livingston's (Viesturs Dūle) song Kur vien ej, tu satiec sevi (Wherever You Go, You Meet Yourself; 2009).\nIn 2013, Paulis Liepa received the Diena Annual Award in Culture for his solo exhibition Still Life.",
"image": "IMG/content/172/131120_LB_makslinieki_Paulis_Liepa.png",
"connections": [
"112"
]
}
],
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},
{
"title": "Authors of the plaster models",
"id": "174",
"authors": [
{
"id": "175",
"name": "Edgars Grīnfelds",
"birthDate": "born April 7, 1950",
"title": "Freelance artist, designer.",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "Since the artist has studied design at the Academy of Arts, he is equally skilful handling a variety of materials: metal, wood, plaster. Anyone visiting Ventspils has a chance to sit down next to Krišjānis Valdemārs (author of the sculpture is Miervaldis Polis) on the bench designed and made by the artist.\n\n",
"image": "IMG/content/175/4.2.01.png",
"connections": [
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"5",
"6"
]
},
{
"id": "176",
"name": "Jānis Strupulis",
"birthDate": "born January 28, 1949",
"title": "Sculptor, painter, medal designer.",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "One of the distinguished masters of medal art, the founder and president of the Latvian Medal Art Club, member of the German Medal Art Association, representative of Latvia in the International Medal Art Federation, honorary member of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, Strupulis has made approximately 700 medals since 1975. His works have been exhibited at 57 museums in 16 countries, including the Vatican. Participant in approximately 350 exhibitions in 23 countries since 1971.\nPursuing his interest in heraldry, the artist has designed many coats of arms (e.g., the plastic model for the coat of arms of Salaspils and Stopiņu pagasts).\nHe has also designed Latvian circulation coins.",
"image": "IMG/content/176/4.2.02.png",
"connections": [
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]
},
{
"id": "178",
"name": "Ligita Franckeviča",
"birthDate": "born July 30, 1947",
"title": "Sculptress.",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "Works in free-standing sculpture, monumental and small-form sculpture, medal art, creating reality-based as well as stylised forms. She is the author of monuments and memorial bas-reliefs dedicated to famous artists and politicians (Eduards Smiļģis, Mirdza Ķempe, Ita Kozakēviča, Vilhelms Purvītis and others). Stage designer for Lelde Stumbre's play \"To Wait\" at the Liepāja Theatre, she is also the author of wax figures at the Riga Motor Museum (Maxim Gorky, Josif Stalin, Leonid Brezhnev). Franckeviča has held several solo exhibitions as well as participated in a number of group exhibitions. Recipient of several prizes.\nA documentary has been made about the artist.\n",
"image": "IMG/content/178/4.2.03.png",
"connections": [
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]
},
{
"id": "181",
"name": "Jānis Ronis",
"birthDate": "born April 20, 1963",
"title": "Ceramicist, Director of the Riga Porcelain Museum.",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "Works in decorative arts and garden ceramics. Participant in international symposiums, he has held several solo exhibitions.\n \n",
"image": "IMG/content/181/4.2.04.png",
"connections": [
"51",
"73"
]
},
{
"id": "183",
"name": "Olga Šilova",
"birthDate": "born March 31, 1966",
"title": "Sculptress.",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "Characterized by a consistency of style, perfectionism and elegance, Šilova's works have been included in almost all presentations of Latvian contemporary art abroad. The artist has been involved in the creation of the most interesting and positively charged environmental design objects: an amber clock made of 50 litres of amber in Liepāja, an interactive sculpture called Bučotāji and others. She is also the author of the award The Golden Apple-Tree for the competition Pride of Latvia.\n\n",
"image": "IMG/content/183/4.2.05.png",
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{
"id": "185",
"name": "Andris Vārpa ",
"birthDate": "born February 19, 1950",
"title": "Sculptor, Honorary Member of the Latvian Academy of Sciences.",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "One of the best sculptors in the memorial sculpture genre, he has created monuments to famous scientists (including A. Kirhenšteins, V. Ostvalds), artists (including K. Padegs at the Vērmanes Garden, J. Vītols at the Valmiera music school) etc. Has worked also in the genre of garden sculpture and medal art, has made memorial plaques. Participant in about a dozen one-man shows and many group exhibitions both in Latvia and abroad (Russia, Georgia, Germany, Cyprus, Denmark) with drawings in coal and mixed techniques.\n\n",
"image": "IMG/content/185/4.2.06.png",
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{
"id": "187",
"name": "Aigars Bikše",
"birthDate": "born February 8, 1969",
"title": "Sculptor and artist of installation and environmental objects.",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "Author of many sculptures, installation and environmental art objects that have deserved attention of colleagues, critics and public in Latvia and abroad. Participant in Echigo Tsumari triennial in Japan, biennial in Venetia (Italy) and biennial in Lodz (Poland). He has created scenography for several theatre performances.\nHis artistic works are often dedicated to social and political themes. In other words, Aigars Bikše's art can be characterised as untraditional.\nAssociate Professor of the Latvian Academy of Arts, Head of the Faculty of Visual Plastic Arts.",
"image": "IMG/content/187/4.2.07.png",
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{
"id": "191",
"name": "Teodors Zaļkalns ",
"birthDate": "known as Teodors Grīnbergs until 1930; 30.11.1876–06.09.1972",
"title": "Sculptor, a founder of traditional Latvian sculpture.",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "Teodors Zaļkalns mastered his first painting and sculpture skills in St. Petersburg, Munich and Paris. He returned to Latvia in 1920. He was Professor and headed the Sculpture Department at the Latvian Academy of Arts (1944–1958). Zaļkalns' individual style is characterized by a combination of abstracted monolithic forms and exceptionally refined plasticity.\nTeodors Zaļkalns launched the traditions of stone sculpture in Latvia. The sculptor created portraits that were rich in subtle nuances, sculptures \"in the round\" and relief sculptures. Original is his contribution to the genre of memorial sculpture. At the contest for the design of the Freedom Monument, the sketch by Teodors Zaļkalns was recognized as the second best.\nAs to medal arts, Teodors Zaļkalns drew inspiration from the Italian Renaissance masters and producers of Greek antique coins; therefore, he produced medals as plastic reliefs.",
"image": "IMG/content/191/4.2.08.png",
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{
"id": "192",
"name": "Ivars Mailītis",
"birthDate": "born on 14 March 1956",
"title": "Designer and stage designer",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "I. Mailītis is active in installation and poster art, super design, and the area of films. Participant in international competitions and art exhibitions, a world famous avant-garde artist.\nThe artist is a co-author of the USSR pavilion for Expo 1992 in Spain, has designed and decorated the multi-national pavilion of the Baltic States in Korea, developed the concept of Latvia's pavilion and architectonic solution for Expo 2010 in China. In 2010, he developed a new international concept of Mežaparka Lielā estrāde and has served as the lead artist of many Song Festivals. The artist also served as the lead artist of 2006 Ice Hockey World Championship and designed the symbol of the championship – a beaver.\nI. Mailītis has taken interest in the creation of monumental stage design and stage versions of films. He has applied the film animation techniques mastered in Finland to the following feature films: Sprīdītis, Kamols, Būris and Ūdensbumba resnajam runcim. Ivars Mailītis has created the visual image of the folk-baroque opera Opera Ficta composed by Uģis Prauliņš (2011).",
"image": "IMG/content/192/Ivars_Mailitis.png",
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"title": "Artists of the special coins in circulation",
"id": "194",
"authors": [
{
"id": "195",
"name": "Rūta Briede",
"birthDate": "born on 10 June 1984",
"title": "Stage designer.",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "R. Briede holds a Master's Degree in Scenography (the Latvian Academy of Arts; 2009). Participant in art exhibitions organised in Latvia and abroad (in France, the Czech Republic, Finland and Poland) since 2006. The artist is mainly active in graphic design and avant-garde comics.\nShe is the member of the creative association \"Rabit!!\", has made the graphic designs for the magazine Dizaina Studija and books Latviešu zvēri, Bailes un trīsas by Sērena Kirkegora and Skaņa. Krāsa. Kustība by Ansis Rūtentāls. These works of art have won many Latvian and international awards. R. Briede is the stage and costume designer for several theatre performances at Valmiera Drama Theatre: Vīns un nezāles, Marionetes and Fantomsāpes and stage designer for the production of the novel Nezinīša piedzīvojumi by A. Nosovs at the above theatre.\nR. Briede has participated in Festival International de la Bande Dessinée d'Angoulêm (in France; 2011) with her avant-garde comics. Author of articles published in Latvia, Estonia, France and Poland.",
"image": "IMG/content/195/Ruta_Briede.png",
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{
"id": "197",
"name": "Aleksandrs Čhaidze",
"birthDate": "born on 9 March 1969",
"title": "Artist of applied graphics.",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "A. Čhaidze was born in Kandava, graduated from the Department of Applied Graphics of Tbilisi State Art Academy (1993). In Latvia, he has worked as Chief Artist of the Publishing House Baltika and Public Relations Agency PR Stils and also established the Advertising Agency Sandro Dizains(2000). An author of the monument dedicated to the victims of January 1991 Barricades (the monument is located at the Saeima building, Riga).\nA. Čhaidze has collaborated with the Bank of Latvia – in 2003, he was appointed Art Director of the lats anniversary \"The Tenth Anniversary of the Lats Restoration\".\n2006, A. Čhaidze moved with his family to Georgia. He is the founder and Art Director of Advertising Agency \"Passport\", Chief Artist-designer of the National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation of Georgia and author of the projects launched by the Ministry of Culture and Monument Protection of Georgia. He is also the author of corporate design of many Georgian companies and institutions. The artist's largest solo exhibition was held at the Gallery Tiflis Avenue in 2011.",
"image": "IMG/content/197/chaidze1.JPG",
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{
"id": "199",
"name": "Juris Dimiters",
"birthDate": "born on 15 October 1947",
"title": "Painter, stage designer and poster artist.",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "Following the graduation from the Department of Painting and Stage Design of the Latvian Academy of Arts (1973), Juris Dimiters has held solo exhibitions in Riga, Cēsis, Ventspils, Jūrmala, Berlin, Rome, Stockholm and Chicago. Having developed profoundly individual and artistic style, he has gained success in different genres of art.\nAmong his first achievements was the stage design for several theatre performances, such as Šerloks Holmss, Džons Neilands and Parīzes Dievmātes katedrāle. J. Dimiters won growing recognition for the creation of posters, and in 1980s each of his posters arouse public admiration. Realistic certainty is his way of expression in stage design, poster art and animation. Cool intelligence, multi-layer metaphors and irony, all converge convincingly in his posters. As a painter of still life, the artist uses cardboard and oil-colours. J. Dimiters works have won many awards and are exhibited at the museums and institutions and private collections of many countries.\n",
"image": "IMG/content/199/Juris_Dimiters.png",
"connections": []
},
{
"id": "201",
"name": "Edgars Folks",
"birthDate": "born November 12, 1951",
"title": "Graphic artist and painter.",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "Author of still-lifes, landscapes, and portraits, he has illustrated books for both children and adults, in his detailed renditions of plants and animals emphasizing the cognitive aspects of a literary work. Illustrator of James Herriot's Cat Stories and Uldis Plotnieks' Zaļās zāles zemē as well as novels by Edgar Wallace and others, Folks has repeatedly received awards for his work.\n\n",
"image": "IMG/content/201/4.1.06.png",
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{
"id": "203",
"name": "Daina Lapiņa",
"birthDate": "born on 31 October 1943",
"title": "Graphic artist.",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "D. Lapiņa has illustrated many books for children (by I. Indrāne, S. Kaldupe, P. Bārda, O. Vācietis and other authors) and text books, devoted herself to drawing animated cartoons (such as the popular Dilli Dalli un Perpendikuls) and greeting cards. Her illustrations are full of vivid ornamental drawing, witty stylisation of nature scenes, profound understanding of child psychology and superb sense of humour. The artist has also taken interest in commercial design.\nD. Lapiņa favours the genre of still life painting most, focussing on the interplay between the objects, space and time in her quest for spiritual values in the material world. The artist's works have been exhibited at the Latvian National Museum of Art, included in the collection of the Association of Latvian Artists and private collections in Latvia and abroad.\n",
"image": "IMG/content/203/Daina_Lapina.png",
"connections": []
},
{
"id": "205",
"name": "Dace Lielā",
"birthDate": "born on 12 June 1957",
"title": "Painter.",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "D. Lielā is active in interior design, book design and painting on porcelain. The winning author of many professional contests, she is one of the distinguished masters of realistic figurative painting in Latvia. Her monumental paintings are rich in subtle tonal nuances; the landscape and individual play significant role and signs and images characterise contemporary culture.\nD. Lielā has participated in all major exhibitions since 1989 – famous in Latvia, Lithuania, Germany, Denmark, the USA, Portugal, Canada, France, Spain and Holland. Her works have been exhibited at the Latvian National Museum of Art, included in the collection of the Association of Latvian Artists, the State Tretjakovs Gallery in Moscow, Jane Voorhes Zimmerli Art Museum in New Jersey (the USA), the National Museum of Poznan (Poland) and private collections both in Latvia and abroad.\n",
"image": "IMG/content/205/Dace_Liela.png",
"connections": []
},
{
"id": "207",
"name": "Ilze Lībiete",
"birthDate": "born on 16 February 1951",
"title": "Graphic artist, lecturer at the Latvian Academy of Arts.",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "I. Lībiete is active in easel graphics and book graphics, mainly favouring the technique of colour lithography. As a book illustrator, she creates compositions based on paradoxes and romantic intimacy, masterly displaying various shades of colour, from cool blue to deep orange and gold and silver. Her compositions are abundant in nature motifs. Monumental lithographs are usually devoted to one theme cycles. The artist has participated in joint exhibitions of Latvian artists in Latvia, Sweden and Germany, and held solo exhibitions.\nThe artist is also the designer and co-author of tenths of coats of arms and flags of Latvia's cities since1996.\n",
"image": "IMG/content/207/Ilze_Libiete.png",
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{
"id": "209",
"name": "Ivars Mailītis",
"birthDate": "born on 14 March 1956",
"title": "Designer and stage designer.",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "I. Mailītis is active in installation and poster art, super design, and the area of films. Participant in international competitions and art exhibitions, a world famous avant-garde artist.\nThe artist is a co-author of the USSR pavilion for Expo 1992 in Spain, has designed and decorated the multi-national pavilion of the Baltic States in Korea, developed the concept of Latvia's pavilion and architectonic solution for Expo 2010 in China. In 2010, he developed a new international concept of Mežaparka Lielā estrāde and has served as the lead artist of many Song Festivals. The artist also served as the lead artist of 2006 Ice Hockey World Championship and designed the symbol of the championship – a beaver.\nI. Mailītis has taken interest in the creation of monumental stage design and stage versions of films. He has applied the film animation techniques mastered in Finland to the following feature films: Sprīdītis, Kamols, Būris and Ūdensbumba resnajam runcim. Ivars Mailītis has created the visual image of the folk-baroque opera Opera Ficta composed by Uģis Prauliņš (2011). .",
"image": "IMG/content/209/Ivars_Mailitis.png",
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{
"id": "211",
"name": "Frančeska Kirke",
"birthDate": "born December 15, 1953",
"title": "Painter.",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "Frančeska Kirke is a painter of subtle taste and wide artistic amplitude. The artist's paintings represent her specific interpretation of relationships between the time and art. She is interested in both the contemporary art language and visual culture of past times. The artist is a master of intellectual and visual sign systems; she creates lasting cultural and historic imprints to be used when interpreting contemporary cultural concepts.\nArtist's works have been exhibited in Latvia, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Denmark, France, Greece, Israel, Russia, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Finland, Switzerland, Germany and other countries since 1974.\n",
"image": "IMG/content/211/4.1.21.png",
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{
"id": "213",
"name": "Arvīds Priedīte",
"birthDate": "born September 22, 1946",
"title": "Textile artist.",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "He has made many tapestries, some of them even as three-dimensional objects, focusing on the traditional folklore. Author of posters for and participant of a number of textile art shows. Priedīte is recipient of several awards.\n\n",
"image": "IMG/content/213/4.1.07.png",
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{
"id": "217",
"name": "Jānis Strupulis",
"birthDate": "born January 28, 1949",
"title": "Sculptor, painter, medal designer.",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "One of the distinguished masters of medal art, the founder and president of the Latvian Medal Art Club, member of the German Medal Art Association, representative of Latvia in the International Medal Art Federation, honorary member of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, Strupulis has made approximately 700 medals since 1975. His works have been exhibited at 57 museums in 16 countries, including the Vatican. Participant in approximately 350 exhibitions in 23 countries since 1971.\nPursuing his interest in heraldry, the artist has designed many coats of arms (e.g., the plastic model for the coat of arms of Salaspils and Stopiņu pagasts).\nHe has also designed Latvian circulation coins.",
"image": "IMG/content/217/4.1.04.png",
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{
"id": "219",
"name": "Laimonis Šēnbergs",
"birthDate": "born March 31, 1947",
"title": "Graphic designer, poster and environmental artist, Chairman of the State Heraldry Commission, Artistic Advisor to the Bank of Latvia.",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "Participant in over 40 competitions in Poland, Finland, the United States, Japan and elsewhere, he has designed books, arranged exhibitions, has been active in applied graphics. Recipient of many international awards, Šēnbergs was among the artists who brought about a radical change in the Latvian poster art at the end of the 1980s making them more communicative. He has served as the chief artist of the Song Festival (in 1990 and 1993). The Latvian passport is based on Šēnbergs' design.\n\n",
"image": "IMG/content/219/4.1.05.png",
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{
"id": "223",
"name": "Valdis Villerušs",
"birthDate": "born on 6 May 1942",
"title": "Graphic artist and art historian.",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "V. Villerušs has designed and illustrated more than 100 books and made small-scale wood-engravings. The artist has studied the history of graphic design and techniques and art history of books. V. Villerušs was awarded the prize for the book Latvijas ģerboņi. Papildinājums of the Chancery of President and State Heraldry Commission in the nomination Uzziņu literatūra (Reference literature) at the book design contest Zelta ābele 2009 (the Golden Apple Tree 2009). The artist has selected books for international book fairs, is also the author of scientific papers and recipient of many awards and prizes.\nV. Villerušs has been involved in designing the interior of the new building of the Latvian Book Museum of the Latvian National Library. The artist collects ancient pressings, graphic art drawings and materials about postal history of Latvia.\nProfessor of the Latvian Academy of Arts and Honorary Doctor of the Latvian Academy of Sciences.",
"image": "IMG/content/223/Valdis_Vileruss.png",
"connections": []
},
{
"id": "225",
"name": "Henrihs Vorkals",
"birthDate": "born January 2, 1946",
"title": "Active in textile art, painting, graphic design and interior design.",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "One of the most prominent Latvian aquarellists. Participant in significant group exhibitions in Latvia and elsewhere in Europe. Several one-man shows. Vorkals' works have been included in prominent collections in Latvia and abroad (Moscow, New York).\nHenrihs Vorkals observes the world around us with precision and irony. His personal aesthetics reflect popular culture starting with the 1960s (particularly as expressed by such personalities as Marilyn Monroe and Mick Jagger).\nThe artist explains that his creative method is based on the ideas of Pythagoras, i.e. that the principle of order of all things is found in mathematics.",
"image": "IMG/content/225/4.1.03.png",
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{
"id": "227",
"name": "Anna Heinrihsone",
"birthDate": "born 30 July 1970",
"title": "Painter, stage designer",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "Anna Heinrihsone is a graduate from the Janis Rozentāls Riga Art School and the Art Academy of Latvia, Department of Stage Design, Faculty of Visual Art.\nThe artist is actively engaged in creating stage, set and costume designs for theatrical performances; she is also intensively painting and drawing, and often finds a source of her self-expression in installation artworks. She takes part in group shows, is an author of several museum expositions, including shows at the Riga Film Museum, the Museum of Romans Suta and Aleksandra Beļcova, Pauls Stradiņš' Museum of the History of Medicine, and has had numerous solo shows as well.\nAnna Heinrihsone works with almost all theatres in Latvia, and spectators can admire her set and costume designs in Hamlet and Zoikina kvartira (Zoika's Flat) staged by the Valmiera Drama Theatre, Notre-Dame de Paris at the National Theatre, Copenhagen at the New Riga Theatre, etc. She has likewise had fruitful cooperation with several theatres outside Latvia, e.g. in Estonia and Russia.",
"image": "IMG/content/227/131120_LB_makslinieki_Anna_Heinrihsone.png",
"connections": []
}
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"title": "Artists of the banknotes in circulation",
"id": "229",
"authors": [
{
"id": "230",
"name": "Kirils Šmeļkovs",
"birthDate": "born on 2 March 1954",
"title": "Graphic artist",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "Kirils Šmeļkovs developed the concept and graphic design of the Bank of Latvia's provisional money – the Latvian ruble.\nK. Šmeļkovs is the graduate of the Department of Industrial Art of the Latvian Academy of Arts and a student of Professor Aleksandrs Dembo (1931–1999). One of the most talented artists of 1970s and 1980s, K. Šmeļkovs has created lithographs and easel graphic works influenced by A. Dembo. In the second half of 1980s, he created impressive large scale drawings in graffiti style and was involved in arranging exhibitions.\nIn the early 1990s, K. Šmeļkovs was one of the first design professionals who mastered computer skills. Perception of new technologies led to a more creative approach as compared to the then traditional printing-work. The artist applied the technology of digital art to create the logotype and design of the newspaper Diena. Hence K. Šmeļkovs was entrusted with the task of designing the Bank of Latvia's provisional money (the Latvian ruble) by the Prime Minister of Latvia Ivars Godmanis.",
"image": "IMG/content/230/Kirils_Smelkovs.png",
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{
"id": "232",
"name": "Valdis Ošiņš",
"birthDate": "born on 8 April 1958",
"title": "Entrepreneur and photographer",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "Valdis Ošiņš and artist Imants Žodžiks developed the concept and graphic design of the Latvian lats banknotes in 1991.\nIn 1990s, Valdis Ošiņš established SIA Balta (later renamed – O-PEN) – currently one of the major trading companies of office supplies, visual presentation and office equipment in the Baltic States, and publishing house Balta eko – the major publishing house of calendars in the Baltic States. In 2006, he established the training centre Digital Guru – the training centre for creative professionals enabling them to master digital skills.\nV. Ošiņš is a photographer, teaches the art of photography and processing of digital images by means of software, holds workshops on digital media and creativity in entrepreneurship. His photographs are published in catalogues, magazines and books. In 2007, V. Ošiņš took part in the project Viena diena Latvijā. Pēc 20 gadiem (A Day in Latvia. After 20 Years) as well as the projects focussing on the Latvian lifestyle and cultural heritage.",
"image": "IMG/content/232/Valdis_Osins_lab.png",
"connections": []
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{
"id": "234",
"name": "Imants Žodžiks",
"birthDate": "born on 29 October 1955",
"title": "Architect",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "Imants Žodžiks and artist Valdis Ošiņš developed the concept and graphic design of the Latvian lats banknotes in 1991.\nA graduate of the Department of Construction and Architecture of the Riga Polytechnic Institute (currently – the Riga Technical University). Imants Žodžiks has designed many public buildings and private dwelling houses built in Latvia.\nAs of 1980s, I. Žodžiks has exhibited his works at avant-garde and post-modernism exhibitions in Riga, Vilnius, West Berlin, Cologne and Bremen and is a recipient of awards. I. Žodžiks and Hardijs Lediņš, architect and disc jockey, have collaborated in art campaigns.",
"image": "IMG/content/234/Imants_Zodziks.png",
"connections": []
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{
"id": "236",
"name": "Gunārs Lūsis ",
"birthDate": "born on 18 December 1950",
"title": "Graphic artist",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "Author of the concept and graphic design of Latvian coins. The 1-lats coin features a salmon and since the artist is an ardent fisherman, he is frequently referred to as the \"father of salmon\" in Latvia's printed media.\nG. Lūsis has graduated from the Department of Interior and Furnishings of the Latvian Academy of Arts. He is a poster artist active in book design. G. Lūsis is the recipient of both a number of awards at the Poster Triennial of the Baltic Republics and international awards for book arts.\nThe artist has designed about 70 logotypes well-known in Latvia: for the State Culture Capital Foundation, Latvian National Opera Foundation, International Film festival Arsenāls, Latvian Institute, Agency Riga 800, SIA Lido, hotel Hotel Bergs, Riga Graduate School of Law, Riga Stradiņš University ect. G. Lūsis has also created the design of the State award – the Cross of Recognition (Second Class) of Grand Officer.",
"image": "IMG/content/236/Gunars_Lusis.png",
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"name": "Jānis Strupulis ",
"birthDate": "born on 28 January 1949",
"title": "Sculptor, painter and medal designer",
"subTitle": "Grafikas autors",
"text": "J. Strupulis is one of the distinguished masters of medal art, the founder and president of the Latvian Medal Art Club, member of the German Medal Art Association, representative of Latvia in the International Medal Art Federation and honorary member of the Latvian Academy of Sciences. The artist has made approximately 700 medals since 1975. His works have been exhibited at 57 museums in 16 countries, including the Vatican. Participant in approximately 350 exhibitions in 23 countries since 1971.\nPursuing his interest in heraldry, the artist has designed the plaster model for the coat of arms of the Republic of Latvia, has made the designs of the coats of arms of Salaspils and Stopiņu pagasts and other coats of arms. J. Strupulis has also designed the plaster model for the Bank of Latvia circulation coins.\n",
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"title": "The Coin Design Commission",
"id": "239",
"contentTitle": "The Coin Design Commission",
"text": "A special Bank of Latvia's Coin Design Commission was established on November 12, 1993 (initially it was called the Commission for Design Solutions) to take part in the creation of the beautiful and interesting Bank of Latvia's commemorative coins. The composition of the Commission is approved by the Governor of the Bank of Latvia. Together with the employees of the Bank of Latvia, well-known experts in art and culture, artists and sculptors are involved in this Commission.The Coin Design Commission advises the Bank of Latvia's management:
Successful Artistic Solution (2008)\n
In 2008, the silver Coin of Life won the prize Successful Artistic Solution in the competition Coin Constellation (Монетное созвездие) organized by the Russian Watermark Publishing House.", "image": "IMG/content/263/FotorCreated.jpg" }, { "id": "264", "title": "Silver coin of the year (2009)", "text": "Silver coin of the year (2009)\nIn 2009, the silver Lucky Coin was nominated the Silver coin of the year at the contest Coin Constellation (Монетное созвездие) organised by Watermark Publishing House, the Russian numismatics publishing house.\nThe silver Lucky Coin, nominated the best coin of the year for 2008 in a public survey in Latvia, was struck in 2008 on the eve of Christmas and New Year. The images depicted on the coin are a chimney-sweep (he is believed to bring luck) on the chimney and the cat, his assistant in his roof-top business.", "image": "IMG/content/264/FotorCreated.jpg" }, { "id": "265", "title": "Gold coin of the year (2009)", "text": "Gold coin of the year (2009)\nIn 2009, the gold collector Coin of Latvia was awarded the second prize in the nomination Gold coin of the year at the contest Coin Constellation (Монетное созвездие) organised by Watermark Publishing House, the Russian numismatics publishing house.\nThe Coin of Latvia, minted in pure gold, carries out the project conceived by the outstanding Latvian sculptor Teodors Zaļkalns to create a 20-lats gold coin. The coin depicts symbols that are of great significance to Latvia: mother, bread and simple countryside meal.", "image": "IMG/content/265/FotorCreated.jpg" }, { "id": "266", "title": "Best Gold Coin", "text": "Best Gold Coin\nIn January 2010, in World Money Fair in Berlin (Germany) the gold Coin of Latvia issued by the Bank of Latvia won the award Best Gold Coin in the contest organised by a USA-based publisher Krause Publications and the magazine World Coin News, its publication.\nThe 20-lats Coin of Latvia released by the Bank of Latvia in 2008 carries out the project conceived by Teodors Zaļkalns in 1922, but the plaster model was made by Ligita Franckeviča. The coin has been struck by Muenze Oesterreich (Austria).\nThe obverse of the coin features a woman's face in profile and the inscription LATVIJA, while a vessel with a curdled milk beverage, an apple, a jug of milk, a loaf of bread and a knife on the table are on the reverse.", "image": "IMG/content/266/FotorCreated (2).jpg" }, { "id": "267", "title": "2010 Coin of the Year Award", "text": "2010 Coin of the Year Award\nIn January 2010, in World Money Fair in Berlin (Germany) the gold Coin of Latvia issued by the Bank of Latvia won 2010 Coin of the Year Award in the contest organised by a USA-based publisher Krause Publications and the magazine World Coin News, its publication.\nThe winner of the 2010 Coin of the Year Award was selected via a two-step voting process. First, an international panel of judges announced winners in 10 individual categories, and in the end, the final Coin of the Year.\nThe 20-lats Coin of Latvia issued by the Bank of Latvia in 2008 carries out the project conceived by Teodors Zaļkalns in 1922, but the plaster model was made by Ligita Franckeviča.\nThe obverse of the coin features a woman's face in profile and the inscription LATVIJA, while a vessel with a curdled milk beverage, an apple, a jug of milk, a loaf of bread and a knife on the table are on the reverse.", "image": "IMG/content/267/FotorCreated.jpg" }, { "id": "268", "title": "Unique Idea Solution (2010)", "text": "Unique Idea Solution (2010)\nIn 2010, the Coin of Water won the award Unique Idea Solution at the contest Coin Constellation (Монетное созвездие), organised by Watermark Publishing House, the Russian numismatics publishing house.\nThe Coin of Water, nominated Latvia's Coin of the Year 2009 in a public survey, is one of the most unique coins of the Bank of Latvia. The coin is dedicated to one of the four basic elements of the Universe (fire, water, air and earth).", "image": "IMG/content/268/FotorCreated.jpg" }, { "id": "269", "title": "Unique Idea Solution (2011)", "text": "Unique Idea Solution (2011)\nAt the international collector coin contest Coin Constellation 2011 (Монетное созвездие 2011) held in Russia, Coin of Time III won the award in the nomination Unique Idea Solution.", "image": "IMG/content/269/FotorCreated.jpg" }, { "id": "270", "title": "Original Technology (2011)", "text": "Original Technology (2011)\nAt the international collector coin contest Coin Constellation 2011 (Монетное созвездие 2011) held in Russia, Amber Coin won the award in the nomination Original Technology.\n ", "image": "IMG/content/270/dz.jpg" }, { "id": "271", "title": "Coin Classic (2011)", "text": "Coin Classic (2011)\nAt the international collector coin contest Coin Constellation 2011 (Монетное созвездие 2011) held in Russia, Duke Jacob's 400th Anniversary won the award in the nomination Coin Classic.", "image": "IMG/content/271/FotorCreated (1).jpg" }, { "id": "272", "title": "Unique Idea Solution (2012)", "text": "Unique Idea Solution (2012)\nIn 2012 the coin \"Fog Mists the Pane\" was awarded the main prize in the nomination \"Unique Idea Solution\" at the international contest \"Coin Constellation\" (Монетное созвездие) in Russia.", "image": "IMG/content/272/FotorCreated.jpg" }, { "id": "273", "title": "Coin Classic (2012)", "text": "Coin Classic (2012)\nIn 2012 the coin \"Rundāle Palace\" was awarded a prize in the nomination \"Coin Classic\" at the international contest \"Coin Constellation\" (Монетное созвездие) in Russia.", "image": "IMG/content/273/FotorCreated.jpg" }, { "id": "274", "title": "Original Technology (2012)", "text": "Original Technology (2012)\nIn 2012 the \"Stone Coin\" was awarded a prize in the nomination \"Original technology\" at the international contest \"Coin Constellation\" (Монетное созвездие) in Russia.", "image": "IMG/content/274/FotorCreated.jpg" }, { "id": "275", "title": "Successful Artistic Solution (2012)", "text": "Successful Artistic Solution (2012)\nIn 2012 the coin \"Riga Cathedral\" was awarded the main prize in the nomination \"Successful artistic solution\" at the international contest \"Coin Constellation\" (Монетное созвездие) in Russia.", "image": "IMG/content/275/FotorCreated.jpg" }, { "id": "276", "title": "International Prize Vicenza Palladio (2012)", "text": "International Prize Vicenza Palladio (2012)\nIn 2012 the coin \"Riga Cathedral\" was awarded the first prize in the nomination \"International Prize Vicenza Palladio\" for the best architectonic representation at the exhibition \"Vicenza Numismatica\" in Italy.", "image": "IMG/content/276/FotorCreated (2).jpg" }, { "id": "277", "title": "Unique Idea Concept (2013)", "text": "Unique Idea Concept (2013)\nThe winner of the nomination \"Unique Idea Concept\" in the international competition \"Coin Constellation – 2013\" is the silver coin \"Riga Technical University\" minted by Bank of Latvia (designer – Kristaps Ģelzis).\nThis year more than 270 commemorative coins and 28 coins series from 30 countries have been submitted to the contest. According to the contest rules all these coins were minted from 1 January till 31 December 2012.", "image": "IMG/content/277/FotorCreated (1).jpg" }, { "id": "278", "title": "Coin Classic (2013)", "text": "Coin Classic (2013)\nThe winner of the nomination \"Coin Classic\" in the international competition \"Coin Constellation – 2013\" is the \"5-lats Silver Collector Coin\" produced by the Bank of Latvia. The coin has been minted at The Royal Mint in Great Britain honoring the 90 years of the Bank of Latvial; its design was created in 1929 by Rihards Zariņš. “Coin Constellation” is the only international commemorative coins contest held on the territory of Russia.", "image": "IMG/content/278/FotorCreated.jpg" }, { "id": "279", "title": "Silver Coin of the Year (2013)", "text": "Silver Coin of the Year (2013)\nIn the international competition \"Coin Constellation – 2013\" the coin \"Riga Zoo\", produced by the Bank of Latvia (artists: Ivars Mailītis (graphic design), Ligita Franckeviča and Ivars Mailītis (plaster model)), was awarded the III place in the nomination \"Silver Coin of the Year\" \"Coin Constellation\" is the only international commemorative coins contest held in the territory of Russia.", "image": "IMG/content/279/FotorCreated.jpg" }, { "id": "280", "title": "Most Artistic Coin of the Year (2013)", "text": "Most Artistic Coin of the Year (2013)\nThe coin Fog Mists the Pane dedicated to the Latvian poet Aleksandrs Čaks (artists Ilmārs Blumbergs and Ligita Franckeviča) was awarded one of the main prizes in the nomination \"Most Artistic Coin of the Year\" at the international Coin of the Year competition (the competition held already for the 30th time by Krause Publications, the world-renowned numismatics publishing house) in 2013.", "image": "IMG/content/280/1.jpg" }, { "id": "281", "title": "Public poll My Coin (2013)", "text": "Public poll My Coin (2013)\nIn order to assess which of the 92 Bank of Latvia's collector coins issued since 1993 is the most beautiful and significant one, the Bank of Latvia also held a public poll My Coin within the framework of events dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the restoration of the lats in spring 2013.\nThe award was presented to the Amber Coin. The author of the coin struck by Rahapaja Oy (Finland) in 2010 is Aigars Bikše.\nThe 100-lats coin dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the Republic of Latvia was the second popular coin nominated in this poll, while the Lucky Coin was the third most popular one.\nMore than 8 000 people voted on the Bank of Latvia's web page and in the multimedia exhibition \"Ls • 20. Art Years of the National Currency\".\nAt the same time, the poll of Latvian experts – artists, historians, collectors, entrepreneurs, musicians, architects, cultural workers etc. – revealed which of all collector coins deserves the title of the most unusual coin or the Coin of Surprise, and which is the coin of the highest artistic value or theCoin of Inspiration.\nThe Coin Millennium (artists Gunārs Cīlītis and Jānis Strupulis) was nominated the Coin of Surprise (the second prize went to the Amber Coin, but the third one – to the coin Riga Technical University), while the Coin of Latvia (the author of the coin – Teodors Zaļkalns, the plaster model based on the author's sample was made by Ligita Franckeviča) was nominated the Coin of Inspiration. The Coin of Fortune was awarded the second prize in this nomination, but the coin Millennium – the third one.", "image": "" } ], "buttonBackgroundImage": "IMG/ui/main_buttons/6_godalg_mon.png" } ], "id": "17" };