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1929 Latvia Five Lati Crown Size Silver Coin

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    Posted 12 years ago

    packrat-pl…
    (310 items)

    Here is another nice silver coin from my little collection.
    This is a 1929 Latvia Five Lati coin, the first year of mintage.
    There is some interesting history here.
    “This crown size silver coin is Latvia’s only circulating large silver coin that was minted from 1929 to 1932 for the newly formed Republic of Latvia. Latvia initially gained independence shortly after World War I when they took advantage of the chaos at the end of the war to become a free country on November 18, 1918. Their first taste of independence was short lived however as World War II brought on an occupation by Germany during the War and Russia post World War II. Independence would not be reclaimed until 1991.
    The obverse, designed by Rihards Zari?š, features the Latvia coat of arms. Below the design is the year of issue and on the outer periphery are the inscriptions "PIECI" (Latvian for five) the number "5" and denomination "LATI".
    The reverse, also designed by Rihards Zari?š, features a bust image of a Latvian maiden facing right wearing a Latvian folk costume. On the outer periphery are the inscriptions LATVIJAS and REPUBLIKA.
    The edge of the coin is lettered with the phrase "DIEVS SVETI LATVIJU" or "God Bless Latvia".
    Coinage Facts
    Years Minted: 1929, 1931-1932
    Composition: 0.8350 silver, 0.165 copper
    Diameter Type: 37.00 mm
    Weight: 25 grams ( 0.6711 ounces of silver)
    Total Series Mintage: 3,600,000
    Obverse Design: Bust Design
    Reverse Design: Coat of Arms
    Unique Features: Lettered Edge
    “Considering Latvia endured German occupation during WWII and then 44 years of Soviet occupation it would not be uncommon if few specimens survived but many Latvians disdained the occupation rules of the German and Russians and many secretly held onto the coins as a symbol of freedom allowing for many beautiful examples to be available.”
    enjoy

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    Comments

    1. kerry10456 kerry10456, 12 years ago
      Thanks for sharing this story, I've learned something "NEW" today. Just proves the old saying, "Your never to old to learn something new"
    2. packrat-place packrat-place, 12 years ago
      Thank you very much for the kind words BELLIN68 & kerry10456. I always try to provide some background info with my items, when I know it.
    3. Militarist Militarist, 12 years ago
      Europeans in general were / are not as gullible as we Americans were about turning over gold and silver to their governments especially an occupation government. Interestingly enough the Soviets managed to confiscate tons of these coins from the Latvian national bank and collectors could buy these coins through the 1980's from a Moscow address. The prices were too high in my opinion and so Isuspect that the Soviets did not sell too many of these. Since then I believe most were dumped on the market and these coins will never be rare even though in mint condition they are a tough find.
    4. packrat-place packrat-place, 12 years ago
      Thank you very much officialfuel,bratjdd & petey. Thank you Militarist, your input is always informative.
    5. packrat-place packrat-place, 12 years ago
      Thank you very much vetraio50, Poppop & scandinavian_pieces
    6. miKKoChristmas11 miKKoChristmas11, 12 years ago
      Beautiful coin!, fascinating description and discussion! Thank you, packrat!!!
    7. packrat-place packrat-place, 12 years ago
      Thank you very much for the kind words miKKoChristmas11, glad you enjoyed it.
    8. packrat-place packrat-place, 12 years ago
      Thank you very much walksoftly & mrmajestic1

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