In the numismatics world, coins issued by Latvijas Banka stand out for their high artistic quality and originality, and do not always conform to traditional conventions. Since 1997, collector and commemorative coins have regularly received prestigious awards in various international competitions and are highly valued worldwide.
Awards in international competitions
Coin of the Year Award
Twice, collector coins issued by Latvijas Banka have received the highest of honours – the main prize or the absolute victory – in the most prestigious international coin competition "Coin of the Year", in which banks and mints from the entire world participate. This award is comparable to the Oscars in the film industry.
Honey coin
In 2020, the collector coin "Honey Coin" was recognized as the world’s "Coin of the Year", achieving absolute victory among all entries, as well as winning in the "Most Artistic Coin" category.
Coin of Latvia
The same recognition was awarded to the "Coin of Latvia" in 2010, when it was named the "Coin of the Year" and received the main prize.
Latest awards
Cabbage
1st place – "Best Silver Coin"
The collector coin "Cabbage" issued in 2024 was announced the winner in the category the "Best Silver Coin" at the competition Coin of the Year 2025.
Riga Fashion
1st place – "Most Artistic Coin"
The collector coin "Riga Fashion" issued in 2023 was announced the winner in the category the "Most Artistic Coin" at the competition Coin of the Year 2024.
Ligita Franckeviča
Lifetime Achievement Award
In 2024, Ligita Franckeviča, the author of many plaster models of Latvijas Banka's coins, has received a Lifetime Achievement Award in coin art. This is the first time in history that someone from Latvia has been honoured with such an award.
Linden leaf
In 2022, the collection coin "Linden Leaf" has been recognised as the best coin in the world in the category "Best Silver Coin" in the international coin competition Coin of the Year.
In 2021, "Linden Leaf" won the nomination of the "Unique Concept" in the international coin contest "Coin Constellation" and received second place in the nomination "The Most Original Format Coin" in the international coin and stamp contest "Nexofil & Nexonum Award".
Personal freedom
In 2022, the collection coin "Personal freedom" won the nomination of the "Most Inspirational Coin" in the international coin competition Coin of the Year. In 2021, the coin received a shared 3rd place in the nomination “Silver Coin of the Year” at the Coin Constellation international coin competition, and also won 2nd place in the “Best Silver Coin” nomination at the Nexofil & Nexonum Award coin and stamp competition.
Personal freedom
In 2022, the collection coin "Personal freedom" won the nomination of the "Most Inspirational Coin" in the international coin competition Coin of the Year. In 2021, the coin received a shared 3rd place in the nomination “Silver Coin of the Year” at the Coin Constellation international coin competition, and also won 2nd place in the “Best Silver Coin” nomination at the Nexofil & Nexonum Award coin and stamp competition.