Shopping Cart
A 2 euro commemorative coin of the Republic of Latvia, issued in 2016 in a circulation of 1,000,000 copies. Dedicated to the Latvian Brown Cow, a symbol of Latvian agriculture. It was minted at the Lithuanian Mint in Vilnius. Bimetallic, diameter 25.75 mm, weight 8.5 g.
Obverse
The center of the coin depicts a stylized head of a Latvian Brown Cow, one of the most characteristic local breeds. The cow is depicted with a characteristic detailed and realistic image, with pronounced features of the breed. At the top is the inscription "LATVIJAS BRŪNĀ". At the bottom is the name of the issuing country "LATVIJA" (Latvia) and the year "2016". The outer ring of the coin features the 12 five-pointed stars of the European Union.
Reverse
The reverse is the common side of the 2 euro coins of the second type, designed by Luc Luix (Royal Belgian Mint). It depicts a map of Europe as a single continent without internal borders, a symbol of European unity. On the left is a large denomination "2" and the inscription "EURO", on the right is a map with six thin horizontal lines in the background. On the outer ring are the 12 stars of the European Union. The band is finely grooved and the Latvian inscription "DIEVS ★ SVĒTĪ ★ LATVIJU" (God bless Latvia - the name of the national anthem).
Historical context
The Latvian Brown Cow (Latvijas brūnā govs) is the oldest indigenous breed of dairy cattle in Latvia, created in the 19th century by crossing local cows with the Angeln and Red Danish breeds. Officially recognized in 1922. By 1940, it accounted for 54% of all dairy cattle in the country, produced high milk production (up to 4,200 liters per year) and was distinguished by its endurance and adaptability to the local climate. After the Soviet occupation (1940), the breed was neglected, introducing black and white Holstein cattle. Currently, the pure Latvian Bura breed is under threat of extinction: as of 2016, there were fewer than 1,000 purebred cows in the country. The breed is included in national and EU programs for the preservation of genetic resources. The Bura cow is a symbol of rural Latvia, preserving the historical memory of the country, its agricultural tradition and identity. The coin is part of a series dedicated to Latvian agriculture.