Latvian Central Bank Unveils Coin Honoring Ethnographic Open-Air Museum's Centennial Anniversary

Latvijas Banka releases a collector coin "Across the Times" on April 16th, honoring the Ethnographic Open-air Museum of Latvia's centennial and its dedication to preserving the nation's heritage. The coin depicts Latvian values of hard work and love for work, showcasing tools and household objects representing the architectural features and domestic items of peasants and fishermen from the 17th to the mid-20th century. Arvīds Priedīte designed the graphic elements, capturing the museum's significance as a repository of Latvian history and culture.

Latvian Central Bank Unveils Commemorative Coin Honoring the Centenary of the Ethnographic Open-Air Museum

Riga, Latvia – April 12, 2023 – On April 16, 2023, Latvijas Banka will release a special collector coin, "Across the Times," celebrating the centennial anniversary of the Ethnographic Open-Air Museum of Latvia and its dedication to preserving and disseminating the nation's cultural heritage.

The Ethnographic Open-Air Museum of Latvia, established in 1924, is a testament to the country's rich cultural legacy. It houses an extensive collection of ancient wooden architectural treasures, spanning from humble peasant and fisherman homesteads to intricately designed churches. Each structure, artifact, and tool provides invaluable insights into the construction techniques, domestic life, and cultural practices of Latvians over centuries.

The museum has faithfully fulfilled its mission of safeguarding this heritage for future generations. It showcases the regional diversity of Latvian peasant and fisherman homes, representing the distinct architectural styles of Kurzeme, Latgale, Vidzeme, Zemgale, and Sēlija. The museum also houses replicas of artisan workshops, including smithies, potteries, tar kilns, and windmills.

Beyond its architectural exhibits, the museum immerses visitors in traditional Latvian life through seasonal and cultural festivals, offering a glimpse into the meaning and purpose of these cherished traditions.

The graphic design of the commemorative coin was entrusted to renowned coin artist Arvīds Priedīte, renowned for his ability to capture the essence of Latvian values. The coin's poignant imagery symbolizes the enduring virtue and love for work that have been central to Latvian identity across generations. The ancient tools depicted on the coin are not merely objects but bearers of human stories and experiences, reflecting the unwavering spirit of Latvians throughout history.

The coin's plaster model was meticulously crafted by Ligita Franckeviča. It will be available for purchase exclusively on the e-monetas.lv/en website from 12:00 (noon) on April 16, 2023. The mintage is limited to 3,000 pieces, with a purchase limit of five coins per individual. Each coin has a face value of 5 euros and is struck in proof quality with a weight of 22.00 grams and a diameter of 35.00 millimeters. It is meticulously crafted from .999 fine silver and minted by UAB Lietuvos monetų kalykla in Lithuania.

Coin Specifications:

• Face value: 5 euros
• Weight: 22.00 grams
• Diameter: 35.00 millimeters
• Metal: .999 fine silver
• Quality: proof
• Mintage: 3,000 pieces
• Minted: 2024
• Mint: UAB Lietuvos monetų kalykla (Lithuania)

Obverse:

• Depicts a woman mixing dough in a bread trough using a mixing paddle.
• Surrounding the central image are historic tools and household objects, symbolizing the domestic life of Latvians.
• The inscription "LATVIJAS ETNOGRĀFISKAIS BRĪVDABAS MUZEJS" (The Ethnographic Open-Air Museum of Latvia) is inscribed along the top edge in a semicircle.

Reverse:

• Features a man carving a trough with a pickaxe.
• Surrounding the central image are various agricultural and woodworking tools, representing the traditional crafts and industries of Latvians.
• The inscriptions "2024" and "5 EURO" are inscribed in semicircles on the left and right sides of the reverse, respectively.

Edge:

• Bears the inscriptions "LATVIJAS BANKA" and "LATVIJAS REPUBLIKA," separated by rhombic dots.

The Ethnographic Open-Air Museum of Latvia has played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting Latvian cultural heritage. This commemorative coin serves as a tangible symbol of the museum's unwavering efforts to connect Latvians with their rich past and inspire future generations to cherish and protect their cultural traditions.