LATVIA - FIRST REPUBLIC - 5 lati “Milda,” 1929 -...
LATVIA - FIRST REPUBLIC - 5 lati “Milda,” 1929 - Royal Mint, London.
Obverse: A female bust facing right, dressed in traditional Latvian costume and wearing a
national crown, with ears of wheat resting on her shoulder. Legend: “LATVIJAS REPUBLIKA.” The model,
who became popular under the name “Milda,” is Zelma Brauere; design by Rihards Zariņš.
Reverse: The Great Coat of Arms of the Republic of Latvia, surmounted by three stars and supported by the
Courland lion and the Livonian griffin; denomination “PIECI 5 LATI” and year 1929. Designed by
Rihards Zariņš.
Edge: Engraved inscription “DIEVS SVĒTĪ LATVIJU” (“God Bless Latvia”).
Gross weight: 25.00 g.
Metal and fineness: 835 silver.
Diameter: 37 mm.
Thickness: 2.8 mm.
Face value: 5 lati.
Mint: Royal Mint, London.
Orientation: medal strike, 12 o’clock.
References: KM# 9; Schön# 9.
1929 mintage: 1,000,000 pieces.
Condition: TTB+; slight wear on the high points and a few surface marks.
Historical note: Minted between 1929 and 1932, the 5 lati coin is part of the coinage of the
First Latvian Republic. The portrait of Zelma Brauere, known as “Milda,” became a enduring motif in
Latvian numismatics.
LATVIA - FIRST REPUBLIC - 5 lati “Milda,” 1929 - Royal Mint, London.
Obverse: A female bust facing right, dressed in traditional Latvian costume and wearing a
national crown, with ears of wheat resting on her shoulder. Legend: “LATVIJAS REPUBLIKA.” The model,
who became popular under the name “Milda,” is Zelma Brauere; design by Rihards Zariņš.
Reverse: The Great Coat of Arms of the Republic of Latvia, surmounted by three stars and supported by the
Courland lion and the Livonian griffin; denomination “PIECI 5 LATI” and year 1929. Designed by
Rihards Zariņš.
Edge: Engraved inscription “DIEVS SVĒTĪ LATVIJU” (“God Bless Latvia”).
Gross weight: 25.00 g.
Metal and fineness: 835 silver.
Diameter: 37 mm.
Thickness: 2.8 mm.
Face value: 5 lati.
Mint: Royal Mint, London.
Orientation: medal strike, 12 o’clock.
References: KM# 9; Schön# 9.
1929 mintage: 1,000,000 pieces.
Condition: TTB+; slight wear on the high points and a few surface marks.
Historical note: Minted between 1929 and 1932, the 5 lati coin is part of the coinage of the
First Latvian Republic. The portrait of Zelma Brauere, known as “Milda,” became a enduring motif in
Latvian numismatics.
