National Library of Latvia

Obverse
A sketch of the building of the National Library of Latvia is featured in the lower part. 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. The inscription 1 LATS is placed below the central motif. To the left of the central motif, the inscription LATVIJAS NACIONĀLĀ BIBLIOTĒKA (National Library of Latvia) is arranged in a semicircle along the edge.

Reverse
The continuation of the vertical of polished rhombic dots is featured in the upper part. The inscription 2002 is placed right below it. To the right of the central motif, the inscription LATVIJAS REPUBLIKA (Republic of Latvia) is arranged in a semicircle along the edge.

Edge
The inscription GAISMU SAUCA - GAISMA AUSA (Let there be light and there was light) followed by a rhombic dot.

The national library is a matter-of-course element in the culture of every country. The National Library of Latvia boasts the country's most complete and richest collection of books, manuscripts and other printed matter. Its new building has yet to be erected. Designed by the distinguished Latvian-born architect Gunnar Birkerts, 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.