By Bank of Latvia ….
The central banks of the three Baltic States have agreed on issuing a common 2 euro commemorative coin in 2018 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Latvian and Estonian states and the 100th anniversary of the re-establishment of the Lithuanian statehood. The design of the coin will be selected by the population of the Baltic States in an online vote.
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Baltic States, the central banks of the Baltic States − the Bank of Estonia (Eesti Pank), the Bank of Latvia (Latvijas Banka) and the Bank of Lithuania (Lietuvos bankas) − plan to issue a 2 euro commemorative coin with a common design on the national side, in the beginning of 2018. When received as a means of payment, this 2 euro coin has to remind the citizens of the Baltic States and elsewhere in the euro area of the determination of the Baltic nations to defend their statehood, acquired 100 years ago or re-established again. At the same time the coin has to be a testimony of the unity of the Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian nations and their readiness to cooperate for the sake of their independence and freedom.
Together with the Lithuanian and Estonian colleagues, Bank of Latvia has already started the preparations for selecting the design as all three countries will present their ideas for the design of this 2 euro commemorative coin. Latvia intends to invite artists to compete for the best concept. Overall six concepts, two from each country, will be presented for popular vote this spring. The vote will be held on a dedicated website to be announced later.
The creation of the first common commemorative coin of the Baltic States in cooperation with our closest neighbors is one of the top highlights in the overall program of events to be implemented by the Latvian Bank in the context of the centenary of our state.
Bank of Latvia is actively involved in the program for Latvia’s centenary celebration. The program is based on the concept of involving the general public, each individual and institution in the process of creating the celebration and the associated long-lasting values. Preparations for Latvia’s centenary will commence with the tasks and events planned already for 2017, but the festivities and activities celebrating Latvia will continue for five years. Bank of Latvia will contribute to Latvia’s centenary program by ensuring research on significant developments in the financial history of Latvia and assessment of the contribution of outstanding personalities. Also, a number of commemorative and collector coin series and several coins dedicated to the foundation of an independent state will be created. The Bank will conclude Latvia’s centenary celebration by marking the 100th anniversary of the national central bank on 1 November 2022.
The Latvian Bank continues the tradition of minting circulation coins of special design in Latvia. Each year, every euro area country is entitled to issue two 2 euro commemorative coins as well as one more commemorative coin within a joint programme of several euro area countries provided that such a program is organized.
