On Monday, 16 December, Latvijas Banka will issue a silver collector coin "Cabbage" highlighting its deep symbolism associated with health, wealth, and well-being.
It is believed that cabbage became known in the territory that is now Latvia between the 11th and 13th centuries, and it soon became one of the main vegetables used in our ancestors' cooking. That said, the versatile cabbage serves more purposes than just cooking.
In ancient Greece and Rome, cabbage was believed to have healing properties and was valued as a highly beneficial plant. According to ancient Roman mythology, the chief god Jupiter broke into a sweat as he struggled to interpret an oracle's prophecy. The god's perspiration fell to earth and turned into cabbage heads. The Romans referred to this vegetable as caput (head). So, "cabbage head" essentially means a "head of heads" as the word "cabbage" can be traced back to the Latin caput.
The green cabbage leaves are associated with the green of banknotes. Furthermore, the word "cabbage" is sometimes used as a metaphor for money or wealth. On 26 July, the day of Anna, Latvians exchanged cabbage leaves as gifts believing that doing so would increase their wealth.
It was believed that eating cabbages enhances fertility, a notion that echoes the myth that babies are found or born in cabbages.
On the New Year's Eve, Latvians traditionally eat sauerkraut for the year's "sour" moments or failures to leave no trace.
Cabbage leaves are also used in traditional medicine where they are applied to the sick part of the body.
Even if it is only a myth that cabbages bring wealth, health, and offspring, it is undeniable that this vegetable has become an integral part of home life and cooking.
The clever concept for the collector coin was created by artist Mārtiņš Rozenfelds who submitted his design proposal to the open design competition organised by Latvijas Banka at the end of 2023.
The collector coin will be available for purchase only on the website https://www.e-monetas.lv/en from 12.00 (noon) on 16 December. The price of the coin is 89.00 euro; the purchase limit for one buyer is 4 coins. The mintage of the coin is 3500. The coin has been struck by UAB Lietuvos monetų kalykla in Lithuania.
