Latvia

2021

Commemorative coin

The 100th anniversary of Latvia’s international recognition de iure

Official Journal of the European Union

It was on 26 January 1921 when Latvian diplomats had succeeded in accomplishing a momentous task – the world’s great powers recognized Latvia de iure. Although Latvia declared its independence on 18 November 1918, only after a confused period of fighting, the new nation was recognized in 1920. The design depicts an artistic inscription ‘100 Latvija de iure 2021’ thus also featuring the country name (LATVIJA) as well as the year of issue (2021). The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.

Additional information

Following the declaration of Latvian state independence by the Latvian People's Council on 18 November 1918 and the subsequent Latvian War of Independence, which ended with the Peace of Riga in 1920, Latvia was internationally recognised de jure on 26 January 1921. The coup d'état of 15 May 1934 in Latvia eliminated the parliament and established an authoritarian regime. In a secret additional protocol to the German-Soviet non-aggression pact, it was agreed on 23 August 1939 that Latvia would be part of the Soviet Union's sphere of influence. The latter imposed a mutual assistance and base agreement on Latvia. On 31 October 1939, a resettlement treaty concerning the Baltic Germans was signed between the German Reich and Latvia. On 17 June 1940, Soviet troops occupied Latvia and de facto incorporated it into the Soviet Union. From 10 July 1941 to 1945, Latvia was occupied by the Wehrmacht. In 1945, the so-called Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic was renewed. The mass deportation of Latvians to Siberia in 1941 was followed by further deportations in 1945 and 1949. On 4 May 1990, the Supreme Council of the Republic of Latvia declared the country's independence restored. This was recognised by the Soviet Union on 6 September 1991 - together with the independence of Lithuania and Estonia.

Edge lettering

Designer