2000 Latvia 1Ls Silver Proof Coin "Ventspils"

• Mint: Mint of Finland
• Denomination: 1 Lats
• Quality: Proof
• Issue limit: 5,000 pcs.
• Alloy: 92.5% Sterling silver
• Diameter: 38.61 mm
• Weight: 31.47 grams
• Artist: Gunars Krollis
• Box/Capsule: Yes/Yes
• Certificate: Yes

This issued is dedicated to Ventspils, one of the eight Hanseatic cities of Latvia.

First references to a port in this territory were made as early as 1263. The Venta Castle, which was built by the Livonian Order, is first referred to in chronicles in 1290. From the 14th to 16th century, Ventspils was a member of the Hanseatic League. The 17th century saw Ventspils evolve into the major port of the Duchy of Kurland and Semigallia. Today Ventspils is both an important trading center and a major port on the Baltic Sea coast.

The obverse shows the coat of arms of Ventspils (Windau), which was adopted in 1925. To highlight the importance of Ventspils in trade between the East and the West, two fragmented bands with ethnographic ornaments of various cultures are placed to the right and left of the central motif. The inscription says WINDAU, which is the old Hanseatic name for the city. The reverse shows a stretch of sea with waves that divides the coin's reverse in two parts. Venta castle, topped by the inscription VENTSPILS, is depicted in the upper part. The reflection of a Hanseatic ship is featured in the lower part. The inscription HANZAS PILSETA (Hanseatic city) is placed in a semicircle beneath it.