The graphic design of the collector coin was created by artist Sandra Krastiņa, whereas the plaster model was prepared by artist Jānis Strupulis. The coin was struck by Koninklijke Nederlandse Munt (the Netherlands).
The obverse of the coin depicts the large coat of arms of the Republic of Latvia, whereas the reverse features a smiling sun and an inscription "SAULES MŪŽU LATVIJAI" (May Latvia live and prosper forever).
The Sun, a source of all life on Earth, a symbol of kindness, the core of human being and its basic value, is the nucleus in numerous Latvian folk songs. The image of the Sun has been extremely inventively interpreted in the drawing by the, at the time, 10-year old schoolgirl, submitted to the children's open coin design contest recording 6 742 participants, which Latvijas Banka organised to honour the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Latvia. The contest under the motto "My Latvia" was held over the end of 2016–the beginning of 2017 period.
More than one thousand proposals were submitted for the competition. Due to subtly nuanced presentations, the works of 19 young authors were selected for awards, while the winner was Elizabete Kandere, a girl from the County of Grobiņa. It was her drawing of the Sun that was made into the design of the new coin because of its charming optimism and buoyancy.
The collector coin "Mana Latvija" is legal tender in the Republic of Latvia, yet the release of such coins in circulation is highly unlikely, as they are in fact works of art and are in special demand among coin collectors and other interested parties. The maximum mintage of the coin is limited to 4 000.
The price of the coin at Latvijas Banka Cashier's Offices and via e-monetas.lv is 47.00 euro.
The coin, in the presence of the artists and Elizabete, will be presented at the renovated knowledge centre "Money World" of Latvijas Banka at K. Valdemāra iela 2A, Riga, on Friday, 9 March, at 12.00 p.m.
Beginning with 9 March, the new coin will be on sale at Latvijas Banka Cashier's Offices (K. Valdemāra iela 1B in Riga and Teātra iela 4 in Liepāja) as well as online via e-monetas.lv, Latvijas Banka's website for purchases of collector coins and other numismatic products, offering a wide range of collector coins and other numismatic products issued by Latvijas Banka. E-monetas.lv can be used by both individuals as well as Latvia's businesses.
In close cooperation with JSC Swedbank, the possibility to pay by VISA, VISA Electron, MasterCard and Maestro payment cards as well as via the internet banks of JSC Swedbank, JSC Citadele banka and JSC SEB banka has been ensured. All purchased collector coins and numismatic products can be collected at Latvijas Banka Cashier's Offices in Riga and Liepāja (for their addresses, see https://www.bank.lv/en/about-us/cashier-s-office) as well as by using delivery services of SJSC Latvijas Pasts, within the territory of Latvia. This is convenient for customers, e.g. from more distant regions, who cannot visit the Cashier's Offices of Latvijas Banka on the initial days of launching a new coin or due to their work engagements or other reasons. The numismatic products can be purchased via e-monetas.lv also by individuals and legal entities abroad and can currently be delivered to 35 countries: most EU countries, the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
The coin will also be available at traditional points of sale like numismatic shops, book stores and souvenir and jewellery shops (https://monetas.bank.lv/images/stories/pielikumi/nauda/Monetu-tirdzniecibas-vietas.pdf).