5 latu 1940

Common. The 5 Lati denomination from 1940 was part of standard circulation during Latvia's final year of independence. While Soviet occupation in 1940 ended Latvia's sovereignty and currency, the relatively high face value and normal production for the period suggest adequate print runs. No evidence indicates this series was rare or recalled. The VF condition grade is desirable but not exceptional for this denomination, and the series B prefix shown here does not indicate a restricted variety. These notes remain accessible to collectors at modest valuations.

This 1940 issue represents the final year of independent Latvia before Soviet occupation in June of that year, making these notes symbolically significant to collectors of Baltic numismatics. The coat of arms prominently featured on the reverse—with its rising sun motif and heraldic supporters—embodies Latvian national identity during the interwar period. The bridge depicted on the obverse likely represents an important infrastructure element of the Latvian nation, rendered as a statement of civic pride during an era of increasing geopolitical uncertainty in Eastern Europe.

The obverse features an ornamental border in beige and tan with decorative rosette patterns in the corners, framing a central vignette of a substantial stone arch bridge spanning a river with elevated terrain visible in the background. The denomination '5' appears prominently in circular ornamental frames in the lower corners. The reverse is dominated by the Latvian national coat of arms—a quartered shield featuring a rising sun motif in the upper section, flanked by heraldic lions as supporters and crowned with an eagle or bird figure. The arms are surrounded by elaborate red and green ornamental rosette patterns with geometric security designs. Large denomination numerals '5' appear on both left and right sides within circular decorative frames. The entire design demonstrates the sophisticated heraldic tradition of Latvian state symbolism during the interwar period.

Front side: 'LATVIJAS VALTAS KASES' (Latvian State Treasury), 'PIECI LATI' (Five Lati), 'VALSTS KASES NAUDAS ZIMES IZLAISITAS PAMATOJOHES UZ KREDITLIKUMA 6 PANTU' (State Treasury currency issued based on credit law paragraph 6), 'FINANSU MINISTRS' (Finance Minister), 'RIGA, 1940' (Riga, 1940), 'VALSTS SAIMN. DEP. DIREKTORS' (State Economy Department Director). Serial number: 'B 013891'. Back side: 'PIECI LATI' (Five Lati), '5' (denomination numerals left and right), 'VALSTS KASES NAUDAS ZIMES IZLAISANAS UN IZPLATISANAS VARRIAGE SO-SUMUMA' (State Treasury currency issue and circulation regulations).

This note was produced using intaglio (engraved) printing, as evidenced by the intricate line engraving visible throughout both sides, fine crosshatching patterns, and complex guilloché background designs characteristic of high-security currency production. The multi-color printing technique (combining beige, navy, green, red, and black inks) enhanced the security features through color separation during the printing process. The note was produced by the Latvian State Treasury's official currency printing operations, with the fine line density and heraldic complexity suggesting work by experienced security printers familiar with Central European currency standards of the 1930s-40s.

This note is identified as series B (noted in collector observations), as evidenced by the serial number prefix 'B 013891' visible on both obverse sides. The 1940 date is definitively established by the 'RIGA, 1940' inscription. Pick catalog number P-34a represents the primary variety of this denomination. Any significant variations in signature blocks (Finance Minister and State Economy Department Director) or watermark placement would constitute collecting varieties within this issue, though such details would require reverse-side examination to confirm.