Silver coin 5 euro Latvia 2014 – Ainaži Nautical School

The first Latvian-Estonian nautical school was founded on November 23, 1864. The seaside people created their prosperity by building small ships and by shipping cargoes to Riga and St. Petersburg. Soon they developed capabilities for building larger vessels and exploring faraway seas, but for that well-educated sailors and captains were needed. Before the establishment of the nautical school, such education was not available to the average Latvian. At first the school functioned as a primary educational institution, offering specialization in the basics of navigation and taking exams for students in Riga or Pärnu.

As time went by, Ainaži Nautical School began to be viewed as a model. In 1867, the Russian Empire decided to create a wider school system of this kind. Forty new nautical schools were opened, of which eleven were located in Latvia. Education was offered free of charge and was available to everyone in their native language. In 1880, the Ainazi Naval School received the status of the highest category, which meant that it could now train sea captains. The school organized training voyages on the sailing ship Katarina.

150 years have passed since the founding of the Ainaži nautical school. By now citizens of free Latvia have sailed the seven seas; they have explored the world, integrated with the European Union and joined the euro area. The first collectible euro coin issued by Latvijas Banka is dedicated to the anniversary of the Ainaži Nautical School.

Four sailboats are symmetrically located along the outer ring of the obverse.
Reverse: The central field features a compass, with an element painted red and pointing to the North.

Denomination: 5 euro
Metal: 925 silver
Weight: 22g
Diameter: 35mm
Circulation: 5000
Packing: capsule, box
A certificate of authenticity is included.