COIN SET EURO LATVIA SELIJA

Latvia consists of five historical Latvian regions: Vidzeme, Latgale, Kurzeme, Zemgale, and Sēlija. Sēlija is mentioned in historical sources as early as the beginning of the 13th century, but it was only in 2021, when it was officially included in the Law on Historical Latvian Lands, that Sēlija was defined as a cultural and historical region. In 2023, the carmine red–white–moss green flag of Sēlija and the coat of arms of the historical region were approved. The coat of arms, designed by heraldic artist Edgars Simis, is depicted on the reverse of the coin. As in the case of the lion of Courland and the elk of Zemgale, the coat of arms of Sēlija also incorporates elements of the visual identity of the Duchy of Courland and Semigallia, which has been depicted in various ways over the centuries—both with an elk and with a red deer. The State Heraldry Commission developed the fundamental principles for the creation of the coat of arms of Sēlija and, unlike other coats of arms, it was created in close cooperation with the local communities, municipalities, and public organizations of Sēlija. It is adorned with a noble animal bearing a rich antlered crown and a raised head—a silver deer set against a red field.

The series of €2 commemorative coins dedicated to the five historical regions of Latvia is completed with the coat of arms of Sēlija.