The annual survey results have revealed that Latvia's Coin of the Year 2023 is the coin "Stardust" dedicated to Imants Ziedonis, a distinguished figure of Latvian culture.
In the public survey held by Latvijas Banka and the news portal Delfi.lv from 19 March to 4 April, everyone had the opportunity to vote for the most outstanding collector coin released in 2023. Over 31 thousand votes were cast in this year's survey, with the coin "Stardust" receiving more than 6700 votes. The graphic design of the coin has been created by artist and illustrator Līga Kitchen. Ligita Franckeviča is the author of the plaster model.
Latvijas Banka issued this collector coin to memorialise the creative spirit of Imants Ziedonis, one of Latvia's most renowned poets, through the artistry of coin design. In 2023, he would have celebrated his 90th birthday. The name and graphic design of the coin narrate the story of the poet – a dreamer, an inspirer, a visionary whose ability to see and create extended beyond boundaries, revealing the stardust hidden within the supposedly trivial aspects of life.
The artist has depicted multiple images within the graphic design of the coin. The walking man symbolises the quest for truth, meaning and belonging. Meanwhile, the constellation symbolises the profound interconnectedness between the earth and the sky, highlighting the reality that humans are composed of stardust and are therefore essential elements woven into the fabric of the universe. Bursting with a myriad of living beings, the tree symbolises the vibrant energy intertwined with the poet's own industrious spirit and the essence reflected in his texts. The motif of the road – embodied through walking, movement, and the pursuit of beauty and essential truths – played a significant role in Imants Ziedonis' creative endeavours. The vertical as a principle and an essential need.
Overall, six coins, each honouring Latvian culture, history and universal human values, were issued in 2023: "Stardust", (video); "Song Thrills" (video); "100 Years of Basketball in Latvia" (video); "The Golden Horses" (video); "Fan of Light Rays" (video); "Riga Fashion" (video).
The coins "Song Thrills", "Fan of Light Rays" and "Riga Fashion" remain available for purchase online at e-monetas.lv or in person at the Cashier's Office of Latvijas Banka.
Voters had the chance to enter a draw for 18 collector coins released in 2023. The names of the winners can be found on the website bank.lv, and Latvijas Banka will personally contact each of them to arrange the delivery of their prizes.
