Latvijas Banka issued a new 5 euro silver collector coin "Latgale Congress" on 3rd of May 2017.  By doing so, Latvijas Banka expresses its appreciation and gratitude to Latgale for its contribution to the evolvement of the idea of Latvia's unity and statehood.

 

The Latgale Congress of Latvians took place on 9–10 May 1917 (26–27 April, old style) in Rēzekne. Delegates from Latgale municipality and town governments, parishes and societies as well as Latvian riflemen participated.

 

For almost 300 years (1629–1917), the Latvians of Latgale had been separated from their countrymen in Vidzeme and Kurzeme, first under the Poles, and, since 1772, as part of Russia. The basic question to be decided by the Congress was: what path should Latgale take? Should it unite with Kurzeme and Vidzeme or try to establish its own autonomy? In 1917, the Latgalians made their fundamental choice to unite with their fellow Latvians in Kurzeme and Vidzeme, and the budding Latvian State was formed, according to the administrative division of that time, of Vidzeme, Kurzeme and Latgale, the three cultural and historical regions represented as stars.

 

The author of the coin design and plaster model is Ivars Drulle. He was inspired by one of the rare photographs of the Congress participants. The obverse of the coin features images of people who were the driving force behind the Congress – Catholic priests, riflemen, teachers and public figures. The inscription on the red-white-red slogan herein is borrowed from the historical photograph and, reflecting the yet to stabilise written Latgalian language, expresses the fundamental idea of the Congress.

 

The reverse of the coin features the crucifix, with women and children gathered around it for the May Singing. The May Singing as a folk tradition characteristic for Latgale has been included in the Latvian Cultural Canon.

 

Edge

Plain.

 

Specifications

Face value: 5 euro

Weight: 26.00 g 

Shape: square; measurements: 32 mm × 32 mm

Metal: silver of fineness .925

Quality: proof with three-colour print on the obverse 

Maximum mintage: 3 000

Struck in 2017 by Faude & Huguenin SA (Switzerland) 

 

Artist

Graphic design: Ivars Drulle

 

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