The Bank of Latvia has issued a new 1-lats collector coin "Riga Money 800" on August 15th.

Face value: 1 lats
Weight: 12.50 g; diameter: 28.00 mm
Metal: silver of .925 fineness; quality: proof
Struck in 2011 by Rahapaja Oy (Finland)
Artists: Inta Sarkane (graphic design), Jānis Strupulis (plaster model)

Obverse
The obverse of the coin features a pfennig of Bishop Albert's time (1198–1229) centred on a plain surface, displaying a front view of bishop wearing a mitre, holding a cross in his right hand and a crosier in his left, both with a small ball above. The central image is surrounded by the inscription RĪGAS NAUDAI 800 (Riga Money 800) at the top, and years 1211 and 2011 as well as the inscription 1 LATS at the bottom. Along the edge of the coin, there is a belt of pearls.

Reverse
The reverse features the original pfennig on a dulled surface, which is surrounded by the legend comprising a cross and bishop's crosier in a crossed position, the symbol of the Archbishopric of Riga, and the inscription ALBERTVS D(ei). G(ratia). RIGENSIS EPVS(episcopus) MONETA NOVA ARGENTEA (Albert, by the grace of God, Bishop of Riga New silver money). Along the edge of the coin, there is a belt of pearls.

Edge
Inscriptions LATVIJAS REPUBLIKA (Republic of Latvia) and LATVIJAS BANKA (Bank of Latvia) separated by dots.

Source of information: Bank of Latvia www.bank.lv