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Commemorative coin of the Republic of Latvia, issued in 2020 in a circulation of 412,000 copies. Dedicated to Latgalian ceramics. 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 characteristic candlestick-candelabrum - a typical product of Latgalian ceramic industry, with traditional patterns and shapes. Latgalian ceramists are known for their unique decorative style. At the top is the name of the coin "LATGALES KERAMIKA" (Latgalian ceramics). At the bottom is the name of the issuing country "LATVIJA" and the year "2020". The outer ring of the coin features 12 five-pointed stars of the European Union. The author of the design is Gundega Rantsane, the plaster model is Janis Strupoulis.
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 on the background. On the outer ring - 12 stars of the European Union. The rim is finely fluted and the Latvian inscription "DIEVS ★ SVĒTĪ ★ LATVIJU" (God bless Latvia - the name of the national anthem).
Historical context
Latgalian ceramics (Latgales keramika) is a unique folk craft of the Latgale region of Latvia with an ancient history that lasted for over a thousand years. The oldest finds of ceramics in Latgale date back to the 2nd-3rd millennia BC. Traditional forms are jugs, bowls, pots, candlesticks, cooking utensils, often with characteristic relief decoration and glazes in green, brown, blue colors. The most famous center is the vicinity of Ludza and Rēsekne. Among the famous masters: Polikarps Viližanovs (1883-1956), Stauzhans Andēls, Andrejs Paulan. In the 20th century, craftsmen resisted the pressure of mass production and preserved authentic techniques. In 1992, the Latgalian Ceramics School in Kraslav was reestablished. Latgalian ceramics are included in the Cultural Canon of Latvia. In 2020, Latvia commemorated this craft with a special 2 euro coin to highlight its importance as a symbol of national identity.