Collector's coin memorializes heartfelt fairy-tale

Take note – story published 4 years ago

The Latvian Central Bank on April 11 is issuing a coin called Cat's Mill and dedicated to the literary work of Kārlis Skalbe.

Kārlis Skalbe's eponymous fairy-tale is one of the best-known literary works in Latvia. Written while Skalbe was in prison, it tells the story of a kind-hearted cat which undergoes a series of abuses for no reason. The cat eventually makes it into a palace and with its spirited attitude against past hurts cures the ailing king of world-weariness. 

Featuring the cat's windmill and the words, "Ķēniņ, es nepieminu ļaunu" – "King, I do not dwell on past evils" – it is surely one of the most collectible of these coins. 

The Bank of Latvia writes: "The fairy tale "Cat's Mill" from Kārlis Skalbe's "Winter Tales" (1913) is included in the Latvian Cultural Canon and was recognized as the Latvian people's most beloved literary work in "The Big Read" poll in 2014. The cat's mill has filled the heart and soul of nearly every Latvian with warm compassion.

"The moral of the fairy tale is: do not spread evil and learn to forgive. Other values taught by this fairy tale are honesty, diligence and love. The fairy tale's multi-faceted message is useful at any age.

"The graphic design of the collector coin "Cat's Mill" was created by the young and talented artist Elīna Brasliņa, whereas the author of the plaster model was Ligita Franckeviča. The coin was struck by UAB Lietuvos monetų kalykla (Lithuania)."

The coin costs €46; 2,500 pieces are to be released into circulation. Purchase them online or in person starting April 11

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