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A 2 euro commemorative coin of the Republic of Latvia, issued in 2019 in a circulation of 500,000 copies. Dedicated to the famous Latvian folk song "Sunrising" ("Lec, saulīte!"). It was minted at the Lithuanian Mint in Vilnius. Bimetallic, diameter 25.75 mm, weight 8.5 g.
Overse
The center of the coin depicts a stylized sun rising above the horizon - a graphic image of the illuminated symbolism of Latvian folk songs (daina). The sun's rays form a characteristic pattern, which also resembles Latvian national ornaments. At the top is a line from the song "LEC, SAULĪTE!" ("Rise, sun!"), at the bottom - the name of the issuing country "LATVIJA" and the year of issue "2019". On the outer ring are 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 - a large denomination "2" and the inscription "EURO", on the right - a map with six thin horizontal lines in the background. On the outer ring - 12 stars of the European Union. The band - with thin ribbing and the Latvian inscription "DIEVS ★ SVĒTĪ ★ LATVIJU" (God bless Latvia - the name of the national anthem).
Historical context
"Lec, saulīte!" ("Rise, sun!") is one of the most popular and characteristic genres of Latvian folk songs-dainas, praising the sunrise, work, nature and beauty of the earth. Dainas (dainas) are short poetic songs-quatrains that form the basis of Latvian folklore. The tradition of collecting and studying dainas was started by Krišjans Barons (1835-1923), who collected and arranged over 217,000 dainas in his monumental "Latvies Daynu Skapis" ("Cabinet of Latvian Songs"). The sun in Latvian mythology is a mother deity, one of the most revered celestial forces. The symbol of the sun is present in numerous folk ornaments, embroideries, and decorations. The holiday of Ligo (Līgo) and Midsummer (Jāņi) - the summer solstice - is one of the most important national holidays in Latvia. The song tradition of Latvia is included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List (Festival of Song and Dance of the Three Baltic States, 2003). The coin is dedicated to this rich folklore heritage.