Well, in fact there are many better ways, but this may provide some harmless distraction nevertheless.
The Latvian central bank, Latvijas banka, is calling on the public to vote for its favorite coin of the last year.
From 23 March to 4 April 2020, Latvijas Banka, in cooperation with the news portal Delfi, is organizing a public vote for Latvia's Coin of the Year 2019.
"Everyone is invited to express his/her opinion as to which of the collector coins minted in 2019 is the most appealing one in terms of the artistic solution, which of them is emotionally moving, original or depicts the most interesting subject," writes the central bank.
Were you emotionally moved by any coins last year? If so, you can vote at the dedicated web page.
Four collector coins dedicated to Latvian culture, history and people were issued in 2019:
"Cat's Mill " (video) was based on fairy tales written by Kārlis Skalbe.
"Niklāvs Strunke" (video), was a silver coin of an unusual shape, based on the life story and the art of Niklāvs Strunke.
The coin "Gifts of the Forest" (video), was created by two different artists, and "tells the story about our traditions and the natural wealth".
Finally the "patriotic coin" "Freedom Fights (1918–1920)" (video) dwells on the history of Latvia.
The vote will conclude with a draw where registered participants will have a chance to win one out of a pool of 12 collector coins, all issued in 2019.
Here at LSM, our favorite coin is the standard 2 euro coin. Its satisfying weight and well-proportioned girth are always a joy to jangle in your pocket. Also, it is just enough to pay for a large bowl of frikadele soup in the staff canteen. Sadly, this dependable journeyman of the numismatic world is not included in the vote.
The results of the vote will be announced on 14 April 2020 and published on Latvijas Banka's website bank.lv, as well as on Delfi.lv.
In addition to the public vote, an expert commission of the Latvian National Museum of Art will decide on the best coin in terms of "artistic solution" in 2019. Another special award will be presented by Tilde Company and the Culture Information Systems Centre, so with four coins in the running, three awards will be handed out.
Since 1993, Latvijas Banka has issued 98 lats collector coins and 35 euro collector coins, with over 50 Latvian artists having participated in designing them.
