Brief Latvian History
After a brief period of independence between the two World Wars, Latvia was annexed by the USSR in 1940. It reestablished its independence in 1991 following the breakup of the Soviet Union. Although the last Russian troops left in 1994, the status of the Russian minority (some 30% of the population) remains of concern to Moscow. Latvia joined both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004.

Latvian Gold Coins
Latvia first issued gold coins in 1993. Although their currency unit is the Lat (LVL), Krause states that 100 Santimu = 1 Lats, having added an "S". Also on the coins themselves, the denomination is shown on the 10, 20, and 100 units as "Latu", whereas on the 5 unit coin it is shown as "Lati". There appears to be some confusion about both the singular and plural forms of the name of the currency.

Technical Specifications

Denomination	Diameter	Weight	Fineness	Gold Content
100 Latu 1993		13.3380	.8333	.2501
100 Latu 198	24	16.2000	.9990	.5203
20 Latu	25	7.7760	.5830	.1458
10 Latu 1997 - 1998		1.2441	.9999	.0400
10 Latu 1999	18.5	3.1100	.5830	.0583
5 Lati (sic)	13.92	1.2442	.9999	.0400

Prices & Availability
Please contact us prior to ordering for current prices and availability.
The prices quoted in the US $ column may be out of date due to currency fluctuations.

Date	Denomination	Description	Grade	Mintage	Availability	Price £	Price $
1997	20 Latu	Sailing Ship "Gekronte Ehlendt"	Proof, about FDC		Ask	£135	$220
1999	10 Latu	Naked athlete with javelin, Sydney Olympics 2000	Proof, about FDC		Ask	£50	$80

Postage & Packing
UK Registered Post (Special Delivery) £9 per order
EU Insured Post £10 per order
USA Airmail $10 per order
USA Insured Shipping $20 per order

Latvian Silver and Base Metal Coins
For silver and base metal coins of Latvia, please look at our original Chard Coins website.