Obverse. Photo © Monetnik.ru
  • 1 Lats 2007, KM# 86, Latvia, Limited Edition 1 Lats, Owl Fibula
  • 1 Lats 2007, KM# 86, Latvia, Limited Edition 1 Lats, Owl Fibula
Obverse

The large coat of arms of the Republic of Latvia with the year 2007 inscribed below it is in the center. The inscriptions LATVIJAS and REPUBLIKA, each arranged in a semicircle, are above and beneath the central motif, respectively.

The Latvian national coat of arms was designed by the Latvian artist Rihards Zariņš. It combines symbols of Latvian national statehood, as well as symbols of its ancient historical districts:

- The three golden stars above the field represent three historical provinces: Vidzeme (Swedish Livonia), Latgale (Polish Livonia) and Kurzeme-Zemgale (Duchy of Courland and Semigalia).
- The golden sun in the field represents the sun of freedom. Sun symbol was used as a symbol of distinction and national identity by the Imperial Russian Army's Latvian Riflemen units during World War I. During the war, the sun was fashioned with 17 rays that symbolized the 17 Latvian inhabited districts.
- The bottom part of escutcheon is divided into two fieds where the red lion of Courland represents Kurzeme and Zemgale while the silver griffin of Polish Livionia represents Vidzeme and Latgale. The red lion and silver griffin are also used as Supporters.
- Base of the coat of arms is decorated with the branches of an oak tree, Quercus robur, which is one of Latvian national symbols.

LATVIJAS
20 07
REPUBLIKA

Reverse

An owl fibula is featured in the centre of the coin, with the numeral 1 and the inscription LATS placed on the left and right side of it respectively.

The large, silver-plated owl fibulae were widespread in the territory populated by the Balt tribes (Letgallians, Semigallians and Courlanders) in the second half of the Middle Iron Age (8th and 9th centuries) and were used for fastening men's clothing. Approximately 30 owl fibulae (of them 20 Letgallian owl fibulae) have been found in the present-day territory of Latvia, and some also in Lithuania and Estonia. As the process was rather labour-consuming, outstanding craftsmanship skills were required for producing them. Owl fibulae have been found in the burial grounds of rich persons and could be considered an object of prestige at that time.

1 LATS

Edge

Two inscriptions LATVIJAS BANKA (Bank of Latvia), separated by rhombic dots

LATVIJAS BANKA ♦ LATVIJAS BANKA ♦

1 Lats

KM# 86 Schön# 86
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Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Circulating)
Material Cupronickel
Weight 4.8 g
Diameter 21.75 mm
Thickness 1.8 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Austrian Mint

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