Presented by

Bank of Latvia

Nominal value

1 lats

Metal

Silver 925°

Weight

22 g

Diameter

35 mm

Mintage

20000 pcs.

Production quality

Proof

Description of obverse and reverse

Among the many symbols cherished by humans, there is one held particularly dear by millions. It is the Christmas tree and those gathered around it feel blessed with peace, love, and good thoughts.
The first ever Christmas tree in Riga appeared at a Christmas season street carnival organised by the Blackhead brotherhood and was burnt in 1510 before Shrove Tuesday. Saying good-bye to the current year and seeing in the new one in Latvia has elements of both pagan Latvian and Christian traditions. The old solstice rituals with their masquerades have also centred around the fir tree whereas in Christianity this tree symbolises the tree of knowledge in the Garden of Eden and Christ’s gift of eternal life.
The obverse features a man carrying a small fir-tree, a squirrel and a shining moon and the common logo of the "European Heritage" program.
The reverse features Mummers in traditional masks.

Designer

Edgars Folks (graphical design); Jānis Strupulis (plaster model);

Producer

Royal Dutch Mint