2003 Latvia 1Ls Silver Proof Coin "Valmiera"

• 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 Valmiera, one of the eight Hanseatic cities of Latvia.

Valmiera seems to have first been mentioned as a town in a chronicle of 1323, when it was already governed by a magistrate. Valmiera was a member of the Hanseatic League from the 14th till the 16th century. Despite devastation wrought by Russian, Polish and Swedish troops and fire, Valmiera emerged as the district center at the end of the 18th century. The postal route connecting St. Petersburgh and Western Europe went through the city.

The obverse shows the Hanseatic city seal with Valmeira's coat of arms in the center. Its left side reflects an element of St. Simanis' Church interior, while its right part bears some details of the Vidzeme brooch. The inscription says WOLMAR, which is the old Hanseatic name for the city. The coin's reverse is divided into two parts by a water body. At the top of it, there is a silhouette of St. Simanis' Church with the name VALMIERA semi-circled above it on the right. A reflection of the ship of Hanseatic days with semi-circled inscription HANSEATIC CITY below it is at the bottom of the reverse.