February 2, 2012 – The Netherlands Mint struck a new 1 lats circulation coin for the Republic of Latvia. The coin is dedicated to the “gingerbread heart” and has been issued on December 9, 2011.
Any housewife knows that the gingerbread dough has to be prepared well in advance of Christmas, so that it can take in the whole bouquet of aromas and tastes from the spices which make this treat so unique.
In addition to a fine recipe, good thoughts, a bright candle and a warm-hearted and loyal companion to help with crushing the spices and tasting the dough are equally important for the preparation process. All conditions observed, the baking time will be filled with inspiration and warmth and the resulting gingerbread will be extremely delicious.
Gingerbread is a unique treat. It is difficult to imagine any other pastry that has so many different recipes. Gingerbread has already been baked for thousands of years and each housewife has her own secrets. Big and small, richly decorated or plain, bearing inscriptions of affectionate words or embodying warmth themselves, gingerbread items appeal to practically everybody and bring festive sensations even in the absence of a Christmas tree and other attributes characteristic for the season.
Latvia – 1 lats – cupro-nickel – 4.80 g – 21.75 mm – Design: Ruta Briede and Laura Medne – Mintage: 1,000,000 pieces.
A gingerbread heart is, no doubt, the queen of all types of gingerbread and not just during the Christmas season. Many romantic stories have begun with a gingerbread heart presented at a fair or some other event where it helped to approach one’s sweetheart when any words seemed too loud. A gingerbread heart is given in gratitude for good work or support as well as serves as a festive decoration and a self-made manifestation of one’s artistic inspiration. We all feel touched receiving a gingerbread heart made by someone dear to us and representing something more than just a delicious treat. And we feel equally moved also when we ourselves give a gingerbread heart to somebody.
On the obverse of the coin the large coat of arms of the Republic of Latvia, with the year 2011 inscribed below, is placed in the centre. The inscriptions LATVIJAS and REPUBLIKA, each arranged in a semicircle, are above and beneath the central motif respectively.
A gingerbread heart is placed in the centre of the coin’s reverse, with the numeral 1 featured on it. An inscription LATS is arranged beneath it in a semicircle. Two inscriptions LATVIJAS BANKA run around the edge, separated by rhombic dots.
More information on the Bank of Latvia and its new coin you can find here.