Latvian Central Bank to launch a commemorative coin celebrating artist Džemma Skulme
In a celebration of Latvian art and cultural life, Latvijas Banka has issued a new silver collector coin, named "Dzemma", in honour of the esteemed artist Dzemma Skulme. Born on 20 September 1925 into a family of painters and sculptors, Skulme's artistic work has significantly influenced Latvia's cultural landscape.
The coin, weighing 27.00 g and measuring 45.00 mm x 28.00 mm, has a face value of 5 euros. It was struck by UAB Lietuvos monetų kalykla (Lithuania) in 2025. The coin's reverse features a fragment of Skulme's painting "Dialogue", her signature, and inscriptions such as "5 EURO", "2025", and "LATVIJA" along the right edge. The edge of the coin is plain.
The graphic design of the coin was created by artist Juris Petraškevičs, and the coin is a proof quality, .999° silver with colour print on the obverse. The coin's reverse features a brushstroke depicted with varying degrees of matte finish and relief. The coin's design has received high international recognition and numerous prestigious awards.
The Coin Design Commission of Latvijas Banka plays an important role in the coin issuing process. Since 1993, the bank has issued 98 lats collector coins and 61 euro collector coins. The face value of collector coins must differ from that of coins in general circulation, ensuring their unique value. Euro commemorative coins are legal tender throughout the euro area and can be used just like any other euro coin.
The specifications of collector coins, including colour, diameter, weight, material, etc., have to be cardinally distinctive from those of the coins in general circulation. This ensures the collector value of these coins and their appeal to art and coin enthusiasts.
Thomas Richter organised the exhibition "Džemma" in 2025, where the coin will be on display at the main building of the Latvian National Museum of Art from 23 August 2025 to 25 January 2026. The coin will be available for purchase on the website e-monetas.lv/en from 12:00 (noon) on 21 August, with a purchase limit of 3 coins per buyer. The price is EUR 89.00.
After the euro changeover, Latvijas Banka has continued the tradition of issuing collector coin series with motifs characteristic of Latvia and executed in high artistic quality. More than 50 artists from Latvia and one artist from Ukraine have participated in designing Latvian coins, further enriching the artistic value of these coins.
Dzemma Skulme's artistic work and civic stance have significantly influenced Latvian art and cultural life, making her a fitting subject for this commemorative coin. The coin serves as a testament to her legacy and a celebration of her contributions to Latvian art.
