In 2024, Latvia is paying tribute to the renowned architect Marta Stana with a special Proof silver €5 coin. Known for her work in modernist architecture during the mid-20th century, Stana left an indelible mark on Latvia’s cultural landscape. The Bank of Latvia, known as Latvijas Banka, has issued this coin to celebrate her contributions, with a design that reflects her architectural vision and unbuilt projects.
| Coin Design | Metal | Weight | Size | Fineness | Face Value | Designer | Mintage Limit | Issue Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Building the Unbuilt | .999 fine silver | 25 grams | 32 mm square | .999 silver | €5 | Ruta Jumite | 2,500 pieces | €85 |
Marta Stana: A Latvian Architectural Icon
Marta Stana, a prominent Latvian architect, made significant contributions to modernist architecture from the 1950s to the 1970s. Her work, most notably the Dailes Theatre in Riga, continues to influence Latvia’s cultural scene. Even though many of her designs have not been preserved in their original forms, her legacy endures through her teachings and her impact on future generations of creative professionals.
The Coin: “Building the Unbuilt”
The 2024 €5 coin, titled “Building the Unbuilt,” honors Marta Stana’s visionary work. Designed by multidisciplinary artist Ruta Jumite, this is her first coin design. The coin showcases fragments of Stana’s project sketches, capturing the essence of her architectural style, which often combined modernist elements with natural landscapes.
Obverse Design Features
The obverse of the coin presents partial images from two of Stana’s most recognized works in Riga. The Dailes Theatre, a cultural landmark, appears against a yellow background. Below that is a façade fragment from a residential building in Riga, along with the unrealized Rezekne open-air stage.
Reverse Design Features
The reverse side of the coin highlights some of Stana’s unbuilt projects, such as the blueprint for a viewing tower on Gaizinkalns, Latvia’s highest point, and sketches of the Budapest National Theatre. This side of the coin reflects her visionary projects that, while never realized, represent her forward-thinking approach to architecture.
Coin Specifications
- Metal: .999 fine silver
- Weight: 25 grams
- Size: 32 millimeters square
- Mintage: Limited to 2,500 pieces
- Issue Price: €85
- Purchase Limit: Three coins per buyer
- Mint Location: Struck at the Koninklijke Nederlandse Munt in the Netherlands
The Cultural Impact of Stana’s Work
Marta Stana’s influence goes beyond her architectural designs. She played a pivotal role as a teacher, inspiring many emerging artists, designers, and architects in Latvia. Even though many of her projects were never realized, her ideas and artistic vision continue to inspire the architectural community.
Conclusion
Marta Stana’s architectural legacy is immortalized through the 2024 silver €5 coin from the Bank of Latvia. By celebrating both her completed and unrealized projects, this coin represents a tribute to her impact on Latvian architecture and culture. The coin itself, with its unique design and limited mintage, offers collectors a chance to own a piece of Latvian history and honor the enduring influence of one of its most iconic architects.
FAQs
Q1: Who is Marta Stana, and why is she being honored with a coin?
A1: Marta Stana was a prominent Latvian architect known for her contributions to modernist architecture during the mid-20th century. She is being honored with a coin for her influence on Latvian architecture, most notably the Dailes Theatre in Riga.
Q2: What is the significance of the title “Building the Unbuilt”?
A2: The title “Building the Unbuilt” refers to Marta Stana’s unrealized architectural projects. While some of her designs were never brought to life, her visionary work continues to inspire, and this coin pays tribute to both her completed and unrealized projects.
Q3: What are the key features of the coin’s design?
A3: The coin’s obverse showcases the Dailes Theatre and fragments of a residential building in Riga. The reverse highlights designs for unbuilt projects like the Gaizinkalns viewing tower and the Budapest National Theatre.
Q4: Where was the coin minted, and how many are available?
A4: The coin was minted at the Koninklijke Nederlandse Munt in the Netherlands, and only 2,500 pieces are available for purchase, making it a limited-edition collector’s item.
Q5: How can I purchase the Marta Stana coin?
A5: The coin can be purchased through the Bank of Latvia’s official website at Buyers are limited to three coins per purchase.