Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 1 Lats 2011, KM# 127, Latvia, Limited Edition 1 Lats, Gingerbread heart
  • 1 Lats 2011, KM# 127, Latvia, Limited Edition 1 Lats, Gingerbread heart
Obverse

The large coat of arms of the Republic of Latvia with the year 2011 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 11
REPUBLIKA

Reverse

A gingerbread heart is placed in the centre of the coin, with the numeral 1 featured on it. An inscription LATS is arranged beneath it in a semicircle.

Gingerbread is a unique treat. It is difficult to imagine any other pastry that has so many different recipes. Gingerbread has already been baked for thousands of years and each housewife has her own secrets. Big and small, richly decorated or plain, bearing inscriptions of affectionate words or embodying warmth themselves, gingerbread items appeal to practically everybody and bring festive sensations even in the absence of a Christmas tree and other attributes characteristic for the season.

Engraver: Rūta Briede

1
LATS

Edge

Two inscriptions LATVIJAS BANKA, separated by rhombic dots

LATVIJAS BANKA ♦ LATVIJAS BANKA ♦

1 Lats

KM# 127 Schön# 125
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Circulating)
Material Cupronickel
Weight 4.8 g
Diameter 21.75 mm
Thickness 1.8 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal

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