2006 Latvia 1Ls Silver Proof "1991 Barricades"

• 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: Juris Petraskevics
• Box/Capsule: Yes/Yes
• Certificate: Yes

This issue commemorates the 15th anniversary of the barricades of January 1991.

Soviet "Perestroika" enabled Latvians to pursue a bolder nationalistic program. In July 1989, the Latvian Supreme Soviet adopted a "Declaration of Sovereignty" and amended the Constitution to assert the supremacy of its laws over those of the USSR. Pro-independence Latvian Popular Front candidates gained a two-thirds majority in the Supreme Council in the March 1990 democratic elections. On May 4, the Council declared its intention to restore full Latvian independence after a "transitional" period; 3 days later, Ivars Godmanis was chosen Prime Minister.

In early January 1991, Soviet political and military forces tried unsuccessfully to overthrow the legitimate Latvian authorities by occupying the central publishing house in Riga and establishing a "Committee of National Salvation" to usurp governmental functions. On January 13, a national demonstration attracted some 700,000 people to the shores of the Daugava River in Riga, and the chairman of the Latvian Popular Front calls for the erection of barricades around strategically important objects. Demonstrators set in motion the bringing of heavy agricultural and construction equipment, as well as trucks full of logs to Riga so that barricades can be set up during the night and the following day. One week later, more than 100,000 Russians demonstrate in Moscow to support the Baltic Republics. The same day Soviet forces launch an attack against the Interior Ministry of Latvia, killing 5 people. On January 24, the Council of Ministers of Latvia sets up a Public Safety Department which takes over the guarding of the barricades, and most demonstrators disperse.

73% of all Latvian residents confirmed their strong support for independence in a non-binding "advisory" referendum on March 3. Latvia claimed de facto independence on August 21, 1991 in the aftermath of the failed Soviet coup attempt. International recognition, including the USSR., followed. The United States, which had never recognized Latvia's forcible annexation by the USSR, resumed full diplomatic relations with Latvia on September 2.

The obverse features a stylized design of bonfire flames and the legend "janvaris 1991" (January 1991), as well as the denomination in the center. The coin's reverse shows Lacplesis, the Latvian mythological hero, with a raised sword against the background of concrete block barricades. Behind him is the rising sun. The concrete blocks bear fragments of the appeals to fight for freedom. The edge inscription says "LATVIJAS BANKA" (Bank of Latvia), repeated and separated by rhombic dots.

Additional Information

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