Struck from 1995 to 1996 (dated 1995), issued 1996

When in June 1945 some fifty nations met in San Francisco to approve the United Nations Charter, the Republic of Latvia, unfortunately, was not among them. The Charter was ratified and brought into effect on October 24, 1945, now annually celebrated as the United Nations Day.

Fifty years later, in 1995, the United Nations celebrated a history of remarkable achievements and the beginning of an era of new challenges requiring the co-operation of each and every nation.

Latvia became a member of the United Nations on September 17, 1991, after regaining its independence, which ended 50 years of Soviet occupation.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the United Nations and its unfailing commitment to a better world, Latvia issued a special 1 lats sterling silver coin. Human figures, depicted on the reverse, symbolize the return of Latvia into the community of free and democratic nations.