Funny coins from Latvia

[Marek]

Hi there,
I got from Latvia 2 new 1 lat commemoratives with a funny design.
The Pigelet
Face value: 1 lats.
Weight: 20.00 g, diameter: 34.00 mm.
Metal: silver of .925 fineness, quality: proof.
Struck in 2009 by Rahapaja Oy (Finland).
The coin was designed using the drawing by Emilija Adumane and modelled by Ligita Franckevica.
Reverse
The central motif is a drawing by Emīlija Adumāne, a six-year old girl from Riga. Her drawing of the 1 lats ("lac" in her spelling) coin features a pig, the symbol of welfare, generosity and cheer.
 
The perception of a child has the purity of fresh spring that has not been clouded by any adult impressions. In 2008, the Bank of Latvia invited children from all over Latvia to the contest of drawings entitled "My Dream Coin". Over four thousand young coin designers took part. Emilija Adumane, a six-year old girl from Riga, managed to win the tough competition with her drawing of the 1 lats ("lac" in her spelling) coin featuring a pig, the symbol of welfare, generosity and cheer, which is among Latvians' favourite archetypes.

In Latvian folklore, the pig has been a regular companion of humans since time immemorial, a curious embodiment of peacefulness and well-being. Of the swine characters in books, movies and animation, the three little pigs are perhaps the most popular; yet Piglet, Winnie-the-Pooh's closest companion, the wise Babe from the eponymous Australian film, and the protagonist from Arnolds Burovs' animation film Sisidra or Pig is Pig's Friend are also much loved. Far from complete, this gallery of pink-coloured fictional characters all have valuable life lessons for kids.

[Marek]

Here is a second coin:
Lucky coin:
Face value: 1 lats
Weight: 22.00 g, diameter: 35.00 mm
Metal: silver of .925 fineness, quality: proof
Struck in 2008 by Rahapaja Oy (Finland)
Chimney-sweeps are always smiling and cheerful, for they are aware that people are glad to see them - even if their chimney does not need sweeping or there is no chimney at all. This is because chimney-sweeps are believed to bring good luck. When people unexpectedly see a chimney-sweep walking down the street, they think of a wish and rub a black button for all their yearnings and desires to come true. Now and then, chimney-sweeps are even invited to weddings - as an assurance that the new family will be blessed with love, harmony, prosperity, and a flock of healthy children.

Enjoy,
Marek

[Triggersmob]

Beautiful coins, Marek.

Thanks for sharing.

[Nighthawk]

Yes Marek. Beautiful coins! 

[scottishmoney]

I saw 10 Euro gold coin from Luxembourg that has a piggy on it that I would love to own also.  I like the Latvijan currency because it is worth a lot against the dollar.

[ElleKitty]

Kitty coin!  Oh, I love the second one!

[CoinCrusader42]

Very interesting coins.

Does anyone know if Latvia is scheduled to become part of the European Union, and mint Euros?

 

[Marek]

Nobody know it now. Latvia, like all Baltic States, have a bad economical days right now and to join a euro, Latvia must fill a criteria for inflation and etc. Today is imopissible to fill these criteria. 
Estonian Bank hopes to join a euro on January 1, 2011. but who knows...

Marek

[CoinCrusader42]

Thanks for the information.