Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 1 Lats 2012, KM# 136, Latvia, Limited Edition 1 Lats, Christmas bells
  • 1 Lats 2012, KM# 136, Latvia, Limited Edition 1 Lats, Christmas bells
Obverse

The large coat of arms of the Republic of Latvia with the year 2012 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 12
REPUBLIKA

Reverse

Two bells tied by a ribbon are featured in the centre with a numeral 1 below them and the inscription LATS arranged on the right side of it in a semicircle.

Engraver: Holgers Elers

1 LATS

Edge

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

LATVIJAS BANKA ♦ LATVIJAS BANKA ♦

1 Lats

KM# 136 Schön# 132
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Circulating)
Material Cupronickel
Weight 4.8 g
Diameter 21.75 mm
Thickness 1.8 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Bavarian Central Mint (D)

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