Latvia 5 Euro 2022 - Upward

Latvia 5 Euro 2022 – “Upward” is a special-design silver collector coin issued to mark the 100th anniversary of Latvijas Banka. Released on 1 November 2022, exactly one century after the establishment of Latvia's central bank, the coin is conceived as an artistic reflection on movement, progress and the continuous development of an institution and society. Its title, “Upward”, suggests both physical ascent and a broader striving toward the future.

The artistic concept was created by Latvian artists Krista and Reinis Dzudzilo. Their design connects the history and future of Latvijas Banka through an abstract visual language rather than a conventional commemorative portrait or building. The composition also contains an allegorical reference to overcoming gravity: upward movement requires effort and direction, just as personal development and institutional progress require continuous movement forward. The concept can also be associated with a river moving toward its destination, while the coin itself visually encourages the viewer to look upward.

The obverse presents nine ascending steps executed with smooth mirror-like surfaces and arranged in relief. The steps can be interpreted as stages of a journey through time, with each level suggesting movement toward a higher point. The uppermost step forms a gilded segment of a circle. Its shape evokes the edge of a rising sun and simultaneously recalls the distinctive visual language of the Latvijas Banka logo. The year 2022 is positioned at the lower part of the composition. When the coin is placed on a flat surface, the stepped relief creates a deliberately inclined visual effect, reinforcing the central idea of upward movement.

The reverse is entirely gilded and frosted, producing the appearance of a precious golden surface or a calm sunlit body of water. The inscription LATVIJAS BANKA follows a semicircular arrangement along the upper edge, while 5 EURO appears below. The contrast between the mirror-finished steps of the obverse and the gilded, frosted reverse gives the coin an unusually sculptural character. Struck by the Lithuanian Mint, the coin is made of sterling silver Ag 925 and has a mintage of only 5,000 pieces, making it a distinctive modern Latvian collector issue dedicated to the centenary of the country's central bank.

Specifications:

• Country: Latvia
• Denomination: 5 Euro
• Year: 2022
• Theme: 100th anniversary of Latvijas Banka
• Quality: Proof
• Metal: Silver Ag 925
• Weight: 36.70 g
• Diameter: 35 mm
• Shape: Round with cut-out/relief elements
• Edge: Plain, gilded
• Designers: Krista Dzudzilo and Reinis Dzudzilo
• Mintage: 5,000 pieces
• Issue date: 1 November 2022
• Mint: Lithuanian Mint (Lietuvos monetų kalykla)
• Special features: gilded and frosted reverse; gilded upper step on the obverse; sculptural stepped relief

Package includes: Latvia 5 Euro 2022 “Upward” silver collector coin in Proof quality, supplied in its original collector packaging with certificate.