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Bank of Latvia issues collector coin - Latgale Congress

BC, Riga, 02.05.2017.Print version
Tomorrow, the Bank of Latvia (Latvija Banka) is issuing a new 5 euro silver collector coin called Latgale Congress, the central bank informed BC.

By doing so, Latvijas Banka expresses its appreciation and gratitude to Latgale for its contribution to the evolvement of the idea of Latvia's unity and statehood, the bank points out.


The Latgale Congress of Latvians took place on May 9-10, 1917 (April 26-27 according to old calendar) in Rezekne (eastern Latvia). Delegates from Latgale municipality and town governments, parishes and societies as well as Latvian riflemen participated.


For almost 300 years (1629–1917), the Latvians of Latgale had been separated from their countrymen in Vidzeme and Kurzeme, first under the Poles, and, since 1772, as part of Russia. The basic question to be decided by the Congress was: what path should Latgale take? Should it unite with Kurzeme and Vidzeme or try to establish its own autonomy? In 1917, the Latgalians made their fundamental choice to unite with their fellow Latvians in Kurzeme and Vidzeme, and the budding Latvian State was formed, according to the administrative division of that time, of Vidzeme, Kurzeme and Latgale, the three cultural and historical regions represented as stars.


The author of the coin design and plaster model is Ivars Drulle. He was inspired by one of the rare photographs of the Congress participants. The obverse of the coin features images of people who were the driving force behind the Congress – Catholic priests, riflemen, teachers and public figures. The inscription on the red-white-red slogan herein is borrowed from the historical photograph and, reflecting the yet to stabilize written Latgalian language, expresses the fundamental idea of the Congress.


The reverse of the coin features the crucifix, with women and children gathered around it for the May Singing. The May Singing as a folk tradition characteristic for Latgale has been included in the Latvian Cultural Canon.


The collector coin Latgale Congress is struck by Faude & Huguenin SA (Switzerland). It is legal tender in the Republic of Latvia, yet the release of it in general circulation is unlikely, for, by nature, collector coins are works of art, enjoying high demand from the numismatic community and other interested parties. The maximum mintage is limited to 3 000 coins, the central bank points out.


The price of the coin is 50.00 euro.


As of tomorrow, the coin will be on sale at the Cashier's Offices of Latvijas Banka at K. Valdemara iela 1B in Riga and Teatra Iela 3 in Liepaja.


For inhabitants of Latgale and parties interested in Latvia's history, the collector coin Latgale Congress will be available on sale during the Latgale Centenary Congress at the Embassy of Latgale Gors on May 5 in Rezekne.






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