On 4 December, the Bank of Latvia will issue a new 1-lats circulation coin with Christmas bells featured on the reverse. It is legal tender in the Republic of Latvia. The coins will be circulated in the same way as any other circulation money, reaching commercial and other enterprises as well as population through banks.

The coin has been designed by artist Holgers Elers and modelled by sculptor Laura Medne. The new 1-lats coins were struck at the German mint Staatliche Münze Baden-Württemberg.

Bells as a musical instrument as well as a decoration have a place in the Christmas traditions of European nations since long ago. Alongside with the gingerbread heart featured on the 1-lats coin released into circulation a year ago, bells are one of the most traditional symbols of joyful festivities in Latvia.

1 lats (Ls 1 in short)
Weight: 4.80 g, diameter: 21.75 mm
Material: cupro-nickel
Struck in 2012 by Staatliche Münzen Baden-Württemberg (Germany)
Artists: Holgers Elers (graphic design) and Laura Medne (plaster model)

Obverse
The large coat of arms of the Republic of Latvia, with the year 2012 inscribed below, is placed in the centre. The inscriptions LATVIJAS and REPUBLIKA, each arranged in a semicircle, are above and beneath the central motif respectively.

Reverse
Two bells tied by a ribbon are featured in the centre with a numeral 1 below them and the inscription LATS arranged on the right side of it in a semicircle.

Edge
Two inscriptions LATVIJAS BANKA (Bank of Latvia), separated by rhombic dots.

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