5 Euro (first book published in Latvian) – Latvia
Non-circulating coins
Commemoration: 500th anniversary of the first book published in Latvian
Latvia
Context
Material
References
Numista: #524216
Value
Exchange value: 5 EUR = $5.91
Bullion value: $62.70
Obverse
Description:
The obverse shows a reader's face in color and relief, with hands holding a book inscribed "LATVIEŠU GRĀMATAI 500." The left side features the year "2025" and "5 EURO."
Inscription:
LaTvieŠU GrĀMATai 500
2025 5 EURO
2025 5 EURO
Script: Latin
Engraver: Jānis Strupulis
Designer: Anete Melece-Olivadoti
Reverse
Description:
The reverse depicts scenes from the story of the first Latvian book: its printing, transport in a barrel, inspection at port, and final burning. The year "1525" is at upper left, with "PIRMĀS LATVIEŠU GRĀMATAS STĀSTS" inscribed along the right side.
Inscription:
1525 PIRMĀS LATVIEŠU GRĀMATAS STĀSTS
Script: Latin
Engraver: Jānis Strupulis
Designer: Anete Melece-Olivadoti
Edge
The inscriptions "LATVIJAS BANKA" and "LATVIJAS REPUBLIKA", separated by rhombic dots.
Legend:
♦ LATVIJAS BANKA ♦ LATVIJAS REPUBLIKA
Categories
| Art> Literature |
Mints
| Name | Mark |
|---|---|
| Royal Dutch Mint | — |
Mintings
| Year | Mint Mark | Mintage | Quality | Collection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | — | 2,500 | Proof |
Historical background
In 2025, Latvia remains a fully integrated member of the Eurozone, with the euro as its sole legal tender since its adoption in 2014. The currency situation is characterized by stability and deep institutional anchoring within the European Central Bank's monetary policy framework. This integration provides Latvia with benefits such as eliminated exchange rate risk with its major trading partners, lower transaction costs, and a strong anchor against inflation, which continues to be a primary focus for the ECB following the post-pandemic and energy crisis spikes of the early 2020s.
Domestically, there is little to no political or public momentum for a return to the former national currency, the lats. The euro is widely accepted as a pragmatic reality that underpins Latvia's economic security and its identity within the core of the European Union. However, economic discussions in 2025 often center on the challenges of a one-size-fits-all monetary policy, particularly regarding interest rates set by the ECB. These rates may not always be optimally aligned with Latvia's specific economic cycle, sometimes creating headwinds for growth or credit accessibility compared to a hypothetical independent monetary policy.
Looking forward, Latvia's currency future is inextricably linked to the evolution of the Eurozone itself. National discourse focuses on leveraging the stability of the euro to attract investment and enhance competitiveness, while also advocating for greater EU-level fiscal integration and cohesion policies to mitigate regional disparities. The digital euro project, potentially entering its pilot phases, represents the next frontier, with Latvian financial institutions actively preparing for a future that includes a secure, central bank-backed digital currency alongside cash.
Domestically, there is little to no political or public momentum for a return to the former national currency, the lats. The euro is widely accepted as a pragmatic reality that underpins Latvia's economic security and its identity within the core of the European Union. However, economic discussions in 2025 often center on the challenges of a one-size-fits-all monetary policy, particularly regarding interest rates set by the ECB. These rates may not always be optimally aligned with Latvia's specific economic cycle, sometimes creating headwinds for growth or credit accessibility compared to a hypothetical independent monetary policy.
Looking forward, Latvia's currency future is inextricably linked to the evolution of the Eurozone itself. National discourse focuses on leveraging the stability of the euro to attract investment and enhance competitiveness, while also advocating for greater EU-level fiscal integration and cohesion policies to mitigate regional disparities. The digital euro project, potentially entering its pilot phases, represents the next frontier, with Latvian financial institutions actively preparing for a future that includes a secure, central bank-backed digital currency alongside cash.
✨ Legendary