On Thursday, 15 December, Latvijas Banka is issuing a silver collector coin dedicated to the freedom of Ukraine. The coin is not only of a symbolic, but also of a practical significance. With the help of the coin, Latvijas Banka will make donations to support Ukraine; the proceeds gained from each coin it sells will be donated to Ukraine. Thus, the purchase of this coin will provide not only moral but also tangible support.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022 changed the course of the world's history and deeply shattered all of us. Ukraine continues fighting for its freedom as well as for the values of Western civilization, thus also for our values. The coin is a reminder that one should not grow tired and tolerate what is happening in Ukraine. The freedom of Ukraine is a shared responsibility.
The author of the collector coin "For the Freedom of Ukraine" is a Ukrainian artist Sergiy Maidukov. The artist has chosen to focus the coin's perspective on one single word – ВОЛЯ – that has multiple meanings in his native tongue: FREEDOM; WILL; POWER. The author of the plaster model is Ligita Franckeviča.
The competition for the graphic design of the coin "For the Freedom of Ukraine" was unique in that upon Latvijas Banka's invitation it gathered five acknowledged artists from Ukraine – Kateryna Bielobrova, Nikita Kadan, Sergiy Maidukov, Roman Minin and Anna Zvyagintseva. The nature of all works submitted to the competition was deeply emotional and personal.
From 16 December, the works of all artists will be displayed in the lobby of the main building of Latvijas Banka (K. Valdemāra iela 2A, Riga) where anyone interested will have an opportunity to view them.
"During the first days of the war, very few people believed that Ukrainians would manage to stop the overwhelming superiority of Russian troops and just in a couple of months force the Russian occupants to abandon the conquered positions. Ukrainians continue their fight without any doubt that the future will bring a day when they succeed in reclaiming their land. Watching the war on our TV screens, we, the friends of Ukraine, particularly appreciate how grateful we can be for the opportunity to live in peace. However, it also involves responsibility to help Ukraine and its people. This coin tells us about freedom, perseverance and faith. Of faith in the efforts of ourselves and our friends," emphasises Mārtiņš Kazāks, Governor of Latvijas Banka.
For the attention of the media and interested parties:
The collector coin will be available for purchase only on the website https://www.e-monetas.lv/en from 12.00 (noon) on 15 December. Mail delivery or personal pickup from:
- Latvijas Banka Cashier's Offices at K. Valdemāra iela 1B, Riga – until 30 December 2022;
- the new Latvijas Banka Cashier's Offices at Bezdelīgu iela 3, Riga – from 2 January 2023.
- The notification of a successful purchase sent to the buyers of the coin will provide the time period for pickup.
To smooth out the customer flow on the premises, the order pickup at Latvijas Banka Cashier's Offices will be organised according to a balanced schedule. Orders will be available for pickup in a period of 20 business days starting from the date indicated in the order confirmation. There can be no changing of the starting date for the pickup period.
The letters touching the silver surface of the collector coin "For the Freedom of Ukraine" both pierce the plane and rise above it or dive into a silver mirror, each in their own rhythm. This is the reality of the close distance.
The bird with the little golden star depicted on the coin's reverse is an image representing a future political promise – Ukraine becoming part of the European Union. But not only that. This serves as both evidence and a reminder that a guarantee of freedom is integral to the flight of spirit.
Starting from 12.00 (noon) on 15 December, the new coin will be on sale online via www.e-monetas.lv/en, Latvijas Banka's website for purchasing numismatic products. The price of the coin is 75.50 euro; the purchase limit for one buyer will be 5 coins. The mintage of the coin is 8000. The coin has been struck by Lietuvos monetų kalykla (Lithuania).
Latvijas Banka expresses its gratitude to everyone who supports Ukraine in its fight for freedom by buying this coin.
The collector coin "For the Freedom of Ukraine" is legal tender in the Republic of Latvia, yet the release of such coins in circulation is highly unlikely, as collector coins are in fact works of art and are in high demand among coin collectors and other interested parties.