Catalog
| Issuer | Latvia |
|---|---|
| Year | 1992-2008 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1 Santims (0.01 LVL) |
| Currency | New lats (1993-2013) |
| Composition | Copper clad steel |
| Weight | 1.6 g |
| Diameter | 15.65 mm |
| Thickness | 1.31 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Engraver(s) | Jānis Strupulis |
| In circulation to | 14 January 2014 |
| Reference(s) | KM#15, Schön#12 |
| Obverse description | The small coat of arms of the Republic of Latvia, encircled by the inscription LATVIJAS REPUBLIKA 1997 |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
LATVIJAS REPUBLIKA · 2008 · (Translation: REPUBLIC OF LATVIA · 2008 ·) |
| Reverse description | The numeral 1 is centered on the coin. The inscription SANTIMS, arranged in a semicircle, is beneath the numeral 1. Above the numeral, five arcs join two diamond-shaped suns which are located on either side of the numeral 1. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering | 1 SANTĪMS |
| Edge | Smooth |
| Mint |
Mint of Finland (Suomen Rahapaja), Vantaa, Finland (1988-date) Monnaie de Paris, Paris (and Pessac starting 1973), France (864-date) Munich, Germany (1158-date) Münze Österreich, Vienna, Austria(1194-date) Royal Norwegian Mint (Den Kongelige Mynt), Kongsberg, Norway (1686-date) |
| Mintage |
1992 - Struck by `Bayerisches Hauptmünzamt` (Germany) - 40 000 000 1997 - Struck by `Den Kongelige Mynt` (Norway) - 40 000 000 2003 - Struck by `Monnaie de Paris` (France) - 30 000 000 2005 - Struck by `Rahapaja Oy` (Finland) - 20 000 000 2007 - Struck by `Rahapaja Oy` (Finland) - 25 000 000 2008 - Struck by `Münze Österreich` (Austria) - 75 000 000 |
| Numisquare ID | 4576806180 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: The 1 Santims coin, issued from 1992 to 2008, represents a pivotal era in Latvian history: the re-establishment of national sovereignty following the collapse of the Soviet Union. Its introduction, alongside the Lats, marked the return of Latvia's national currency, symbolizing economic independence and a definitive break from the past. This period saw Latvia's reintegration into the European community, culminating in EU membership in 2004, making this denomination a tangible artifact of national rebirth.
Artistry: The coin's design features the Small Coat of Arms of Latvia on the obverse, a powerful national emblem incorporating the lion and griffin, surmounted by three stars. The reverse displays the denomination '1 SANTIMS' encircled by stylized oak leaves, a symbol of strength and longevity in Latvian folklore. The stylistic school is distinctly nationalistic and realistic, eschewing abstraction for clear, recognizable patriotic motifs, reflecting the artistic vision behind the re-established Lats series.
Technical/Grading: Struck on a copper clad steel planchet, weighing 1.6 grams with a diameter of 15.65 mm, the 1 Santims presents specific grading considerations. High points for wear on the obverse include the fine details of the lion's mane, griffin's feathers, and the three stars atop the shield. On the reverse, the raised veins of the oak leaves and the crispness of the numeral '1' are crucial indicators of strike quality. The copper cladding may exhibit minor laminations or surface irregularities; a strong, even strike is paramount for sharp details on the national emblem.