On Wednesday, 16 February, Latvijas Banka will release a new silver collector coin "Satversme 100". This coin is a tribute to the Constitution of Latvia, which was adopted in 1922 and defines the form of government, values and relations between the individual and the state.
The year of Satversme's centenary is also the year when Latvijas Banka celebrates the 100th anniversary of its foundation. Among other things, Satversme created the foundations for a successful operation of the central bank, defining the guarantees for its independence, competence and long-term perspective on money policy issues. Satversme is one of the oldest living constitutions in Europe and it ensures democracy and rule of law in Latvia.
This coin, created with the participation of the Constitutional Court and the Chancery of the President of Latvia, is a symbolic present to Latvia by the central bank.
For the attention of the media and interested parties:
The coin will be available for purchase only on the website e-monetas.lv from 12.00 (noon) on 16 February. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the new numismatic products will not be available at the Cashier's Office of Latvijas Banka. For the time being, it will be possible to receive the coins purchased on the website e-monetas.lv by post only.
Satversme, the Constitution of the Republic of Latvia, lays down the constitutional foundations of the State of Latvia and embodies one of the symbols of our statehood. The thoughts and aspirations of the founders of the state have become the words of power that allow each generation to build a strong and sustainable democratic state governed by the rule of law. The wording of Satversme is uniting the founders of the state and its future generations in a single idea of the Republic of Latvia.
"We hope and remain confident that this new Satversme will help us to fully establish lawfulness and justice in Latvia and thus prosperity and order for its people. Let this new Satversme make Latvia happy and strong!" These words were spoken by Jānis Čakste, the first President of the Republic of Latvia, in 1922 when Satversme came into force.
Satversme makes it possible for us to celebrate freedom, independence, democracy and the rule of law in Latvia – the country where everyone is free to strive for prosperity and happiness.
The graphic design of coin "Satversme 100" was created by artist Aigars Ozoliņš.
Starting from 12.00 (noon) on 16 February, the new coin will be on sale online via e-monetas.lv, Latvijas Banka's website for purchases of collector coins and other numismatic products. The price of the coin is 70.00 euro; the purchase limit for one buyer will be 1 coin. The mintage of the coin is 2500. The coin has been struck by Lietuvos monetų kalykla (Lithuania).
Coin "Satversme 100" is legal tender in the Republic of Latvia, yet the release of such coins in circulation is highly unlikely, as collector coins are in fact works of art and are in high demand among coin collectors and other interested parties.