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Product Code: 5E2024LV3
Short description
Latvia 5 Euro 2024 “Energy Coin” is an innovative silver collector coin dedicated to the role of science in the search for sustainable energy and, in particular, to the scientific challenge of nuclear fusion. Issued ... Read more...
129.90€
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Latvia 5 Euro 2024 “Energy Coin” is an innovative silver collector coin dedicated to the role of science in the search for sustainable energy and, in particular, to the scientific challenge of nuclear fusion. Issued by Latvijas Banka on 26 September 2024, the coin presents nuclear fusion not as a conventional scientific diagram, but as a sculptural composition in which relief, hollows, gilding and circular lines represent the physical processes behind one of humanity’s most ambitious energy technologies.
The obverse symbolically depicts the principal fusion reaction used in research into nuclear energy production. The recessed silver elements represent neutrons, while the gold-plated beads represent protons. The design refers specifically to the fusion of the nuclei of two hydrogen isotopes — deuterium and tritium — producing a helium nucleus and a free neutron while releasing a tremendous amount of energy. The opening in the centre of the coin represents the location of the fusion reaction itself, giving the coin an unusual physical depth and making the scientific concept part of the coin’s actual three-dimensional structure.
The reverse develops the same idea on a larger conceptual scale. Two groups of concentric and flowing lines converge towards the central opening, with different degrees of frosting and gilding. These lines represent the magnetic fields required to confine the extremely hot plasma in fusion reactors and also evoke the fields associated with massive celestial objects. The composition simultaneously recalls the toroidal geometry of a tokamak, one of the principal experimental reactor concepts used in nuclear-fusion research. The recessed centre can also be interpreted as an artistic reference to the gravitational potential around a star or black hole. The inscriptions “LATVIJA” and “2024” are integrated into the minimalist composition.
The concept was created by internationally recognised Latvian designer Germans Ermičs, who consulted scientists while developing the visual solution. The theme also connects modern fusion research with Latvia's scientific contribution: Latvian researchers participate in the development of prototypes associated with ITER, the world's largest experimental nuclear-fusion project, and its planned successor DEMO. The coin was struck by the Royal Dutch Mint (Koninklijke Nederlandse Munt) in Proof quality from .999 fine silver, with selected elements gilded in gold. Its maximum mintage is limited to only 3,000 pieces.
Specifications:
- Country: Latvia
- Denomination: 5 Euro
- Year: 2024
- Theme: Energy, science and nuclear fusion
- Quality: Proof
- Metal: Silver .999
- Special finish: Gold-plated elements
- Weight: 18 g
- Diameter: 30 mm
- Shape: Round with a central round opening
- Maximum mintage: 3,000 pieces
- Issue date: 26 September 2024
- Edge: Symbols of the free neutron and hydrogen/helium isotopes: “n; ²H; ³H; ⁴He”
- Graphic design: Germans Ermičs
- Mint: Koninklijke Nederlandse Munt, Netherlands
Package includes: Latvia 5 Euro 2024 “Energy Coin” silver Proof collector coin with gold-plated elements in original collector packaging with certificate of authenticity.