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Orbis Collectibles

Latvian lats coinage

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · partial

Period

1922-1939

Issuing entity

Republic of Latvia

Latvian lats coinage encompasses the official metallic currency struck for the Republic of Latvia between 1922 and the onset of Soviet occupation. Minor denominations spanned 1, 2, and 5 santīmu in bronze and 10, 20, and 50 santīmu in nickel, displaying variations of the lesser coat of arms alongside agricultural motifs and traditional allegory.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
1
Catalogue references
0

Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.

Historical context

The first lats was established on 3 August 1922, replacing the Latvian ruble at a rate of 1 lats to 50 rubles. Initially backed by the gold standard, the currency was pegged to the British pound sterling from 1936 until 1939 before transitioning to a floating peg. Following the Soviet occupation of Latvia in June 1940, the Soviet ruble was introduced at par alongside the lats in November 1940, while silver coinage largely vanished into private hoarding. On 25 March 1941, Soviet authorities abruptly demonetized all lats currency without warning, terminating its circulation.

Design

Obverse
National arms
Reverse
Female allegorical head on the five lats

Identification

Note
Date and denomination distinguish the interwar issues.
Recognition pointers (from background sources)
Look for the state heraldry, where minor santīmu issues display the lesser coat of arms marked 'LATVIJA', while 1 and 2 lats pieces show the greater coat of arms inscribed 'LATVIJAS REPUBLIKA'. Identify distinctive figural motifs, including the maiden at the rudder of a sailboat on the 50 santīmu and the allegorical maiden profile by Rihards Zariņš on the 5 lats coin. Observe design changes on the 1 and 2 santīmu pieces from 1937 onward, which introduce flanking grain ears on the obverse and an oak leaf wreath on the reverse.

Documentation checklist

Denomination
Research required
Issue or mint date
Recorded
Material
Research required
Weight
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Mint or printer
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Mint or printer mark
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Catalogue reference
Research required
Attached photograph (check rights)
Recorded

Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.

Catalogue references

No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.

Research required

  • Weights and fineness require transcription from a printed reference.
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