Latvia 5 Lati 2012 - Museum Gallery

This beautiful and iconic coin of Latvia is a modern restrike of the famous 5 Lati of 1929-32. It features the profile of "Milda," the Latvian goddess of love (read more about her below). The central theme is of a "Folk-Maid" with the overtones of Ceres as a goddess of agriculture, particularly of the staple crop of wheat. This coin celebrates the 90th Year of the Bank of Latvia. Of particular note is the minting method which is described as 'tamped back', a new term that I'm unfamiliar with but the method seems to follow many modern mint products that bear evidence of digitization that expresses itself as matte finish.
The inscriptions DIEVS, SVĒTĪ and LATVIJU, separated by three hexagonal stars.
From Coins Weekly:
July 12, 2012 – The Royal Mint celebrated the 90th Anniversary of the first independent currency issued in the Republic of Latvia on May 28, 2012 by striking a re-dated issue of the 5 Lats coin during a visit by Ilmars Rimsevics, the Governor of the Bank of Latvia, and Eduards Stiprais, the Ambassador of Latvia to the United Kingdom.
The 5 Lats coin holds a special place in the hearts of the Latvian people. During World War II, the Latvian state lost its independence and national currency. Throughout the Soviet era the 5 Lats silver coin became a popular symbol of Latvian freedom and sovereignty, secretly stored by almost every Latvian family as a reminder of their national identity.
The visit also emphasizes the long standing relationship between Latvia and the United Kingdom. The Royal Mint was involved in striking the original 1 Lat, 2 Lats and 5 Lats coins introduced in 1922.
The visit, hosted by Royal Mint Chief Executive Adam Lawrence, also included a viewing of the 90 year old sketches and design drawings for the original Lats coins held in The Royal Mint museum.
A total mintage of up to 10,000 pieces has been authorized by the Bank of Latvia.
Milda, in the Lithuanian mythology, is the goddess of love. However, her authenticity is debated by scholars. Despite the uncertainty, Milda became a popular female given name in Lithuania. Neo-pagan societies and communities, including Romuva, organize various events in honor of goddess Milda in May. The Milda Mons, a mountain on Venus, is named after her. The female figure at the top of the Freedom Monument in Riga is affectionately called Milda, because for the sculpture posed Lithuanian woman Milda Jasikienė, who lived in Riga and was an ideal of beauty for the author of the monument – Kārlis Zāle. [Wikipedia]