Latvia 5 Lati 2012 "5-lats Silver Collector Coin" (Milda)

Latvia 5 Lati 2012 – “5-lats Silver Collector Coin” (Milda) is a silver collector coin recreating one of the most recognizable symbols of Latvia’s monetary and cultural heritage: the female figure known as Milda. The original 5-lats coin with the portrait of a Latvian maiden was first issued in 1931 and became deeply rooted in Latvian public consciousness as an unofficial national symbol. The 2012 collector issue pays tribute to this iconic design while presenting it in a modern precious-metal format.

The central motif is the profile of a young Latvian woman wearing a traditional folk headdress. The image became popularly known as Milda, although the original coin design was officially described simply as a Latvian maiden. The portrait was created by sculptor Rihards Zariņš, one of the most important Latvian graphic artists and designers of the interwar period. On the original circulation coin, the maiden's portrait was combined with the denomination 5 LATI, while the reverse carried the national coat of arms. The 2012 collector coin deliberately recalls this visual heritage and the strong emotional association of the 5-lats denomination with the first Latvian Republic.

The 2012 issue was produced in proof quality, allowing the portrait and inscriptions to stand out through the contrast between polished fields and frosted relief. The coin is struck in 925 fineness silver and has a substantial 37 mm diameter, giving the familiar Milda portrait a much more detailed presentation than its historical circulation predecessor. The obverse carries the denomination 5 LATI and the year 2012, while the composition retains the characteristic Latvian maiden profile that made the original five-lats coin one of the best-known Latvian coins of the interwar period.

The Milda motif has a special place in Latvian numismatic history. The original 5-lats coin circulated from 1931 until the occupation and monetary changes of 1940 and later became one of the strongest visual symbols associated with the Latvian Republic of 1918–1940. After the restoration of independence, the image continued to be used in Latvian cultural and monetary symbolism. This 2012 silver collector coin therefore combines historical numismatic heritage, Latvian national identity and precious-metal collecting, making it an appealing issue for collectors of Latvian lats, First Republic Latvia and modern Latvian commemorative coins.

Specifications:

• Country: Latvia
• Denomination: 5 Lati
• Year: 2012
• Theme: Milda – Latvian maiden / historic 5-lats design
• Quality: Proof
• Packaging: Original presentation packaging
• Metal: Silver Ag 925
• Weight: 22.00 g
• Diameter: 37.00 mm
• Shape: Round
• Designer: Rihards Zariņš
• Subject: Traditional Latvian maiden known as Milda
• Issuer: Latvijas Banka

Package includes: Latvia 5 Lati 2012 “5-lats Silver Collector Coin” featuring Milda, in original presentation packaging with protective capsule and certificate/documentation.