The Bank of Latvia issued on 14th November 2017 two 2-euro commemorative coins dedicated to the historic provinces of Kurzeme and Latgale. Since the re-establishment of Latvian independence in 1991, the division of Latvia into cultural and historical regions of Vidzeme, Latgale, Kurzeme, and Zemgale is stipulated by article three of the Satversme, or the Constitution of the Republic of Latvia.
The coin commemorates "Kurzeme." Kurzeme is the westernmost province of Latvia and includes the major port cities of Ventspils and Liepaja. It one of the most historical and cultural regions in western Latvia. The regions of Semigallia and Selonia are sometimes considered as part of Courland as they were formerly held by the same duke.
The coat of arms of Kurzeme has been carried over from Gotthard Kettler’s coat of arms. He was the first Duke of Kurzeme and Zemgale. The crest includes a lion standing and facing to the right. Above the coat of arms is the country name Latvija (Latvia) and under it is the province name Kurzeme. On the right side of the coin is the year 2017. |
|
Diameter - 25.75mm
Thickness - 2.2mm
Weight - 8.5gr
|
| Fine milled, with the inscription DIEVS * SVĒTĪ * LATVIJU (GOD BLESS LATVIA) |