The collector coin "Curonian Kings" was created by artists Arvīds Priedīte (the graphic design) and Ligita Franckeviča (the plaster model). The coin was struck by UAB Lietuvos monetų kalykla (Lithuania).
The obverse features a rider on a horse, with a feather in his hat, a sword at his side and a banner in his hand, against the background of a document. The reverse depicts the Peniķi column with Ķoniņciems' coat of arms, a woman dressed in the folk costume and a man with a sword; in the background, the names of the seven free villages of Courland are inscribed.
Curonian kings were the natives of Courland living in seven free villages of Ķoniņi, Kalēji, Pliķi and Ziemeļi in Turlava parish, Dragūni in Rumba parsih, Viesalgi in Snēpele parish and Sausgaļi in Padure parish. As vassals they received land and privileges from the Livonian order. In 1230, an agreement concluded between king Lamekin (Lammekinus Rex), representing most of the Curonians, and an authorised representative of a legate of the Roman Pope established that the Curonians had to take part in battles against pagans; they had the right to be free as long as they remained Catholics. The agreement was short-lived as the religious powers and the powers and influence of the Livonian Order tended to change; however, the tradition of freedom was established.
Curonian kings had the duty to participate in battles with their horses and weapons defending the Livonian Order. They also became messengers, interpreters, secretaries, carpenters, blacksmiths and other craftsmen, and were exempt from corvée and duties. Curonian kings cultivated land by themselves or with the help of their farm-hands, and the land was inherited by their sons.
To commemorate this extraordinary history, Latvijas Banka is dedicating a collector coin to Curonian kings.
Beginning with 17 August 8.30 a.m., the new coin will be on sale online via
e-monetas.lv, Latvijas Banka's website for purchases of collector coins and other numismatic products, as well as Latvijas Banka Cashier's Offices at K. Valdemāra iela 1B in Riga and Teātra iela 3 in Liepāja.
The price of the coin at Latvijas Banka Cashier's Offices and via e-monetas.lv is 43.00 euro. The maximum mintage of the coin is limited to 2500.
In September 2018, part of the coins will be available to coin and stamp collectors and other interested parties in a special coin and stamp set dedicated to the Curonian kings. Such a joint edition by the SJSC "Latvijas Pasts" and Latvijas Banka is issued for the first time.
e-monetas.lv offers a wide selection of collector coins and other numismatic products issued by Latvijas Banka. e-monetas.lv can be used by both individuals and Latvia's businesses. The possibility to pay by VISA, VISA Electron, MasterCard and Maestro payment cards as well as via the internet banks of JSC Swedbank, JSC Citadele banka and JSC SEB banka has been ensured. All purchased collector coins and numismatic products can be collected at Latvijas Banka Cashier's Offices in Riga and Liepāja (for their addresses, see https://www.bank.lv/en/about-us/cashier-s-office) as well as by using delivery services of SJSC Latvijas Pasts, within the territory of Latvia. This is convenient for customers, e.g. from more distant regions, who cannot visit the Cashier's Offices of Latvijas Banka on the initial days of launching a new coin or due to their work engagements or other reasons. E-monetas.lv can also be used to purchase numismatic products by individuals and legal persons abroad. The products are currently delivered to 35 countries – most EU countries, the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
The collector coin "Curonian Kings" is legal tender in the Republic of Latvia, yet the release of such coins in circulation is highly unlikely, as they are in fact works of art and are in special demand among coin collectors and other interested parties.