The Mint of Finland have unveiled a new coin which remembers the first modern Finnish currency, the Markkaa, and pays tribute to Finnish coin collectors. By decision of the Ministry of Finance, Mint of Finland will release a commemorative coin entitled ‘First Mark and Numismatics’ on 11 April. It is a homage to scholars and collectors of metal coins as well as commemorating the birth of Finland’s national currency. This is also the only Finnish gold coin to be struck in 2014.

The first Finnish mark was struck in silver at Mint of Finland on 15 October 1864. The obverse depicts the two-headed Russian eagle with the lion coat of arms of Finland on the shield at its centre. The oak leaves and decorative ribbon encircling the silver mark’s reverse are repeated on the new ‘First Mark and Numismatics’ collector coin.

“This gold coin reminds us of the importance that nations traditionally attach to metal coins. The messages in metal convey the values of their era across centuries, even millennia,” says Henna Karjalainen, Communications Director at Mint of Finland and in charge of commemorative coins.

The face value of the ‘First Mark and Numismatics’ commemorative coin is EUR 100. Packed in a handsome wood box, it will sell for EUR 440. Mint of Finland will also be striking a numbered special edition of the commemorative coin, packed in Vitriini glass cases designed by Iittala. The numbered gold coins will sell for EUR 600.

The coin, designed by artist Hannu Veijalainen, depicts on the obverse elements of the first design of the markkaa coin. The oak leaves and decorative ribbon encircling the face value of the silver marks originally seen on the reverse are replicated on the new First Mark and Numismatics collector coin. The text “NUMISMATIIKKA” can be seen along the upper rim. A similar and co-ordinated design is depicted on the reverse along with the text “SUOMI FINLAND” as well as the coin’s denomination of €100 and year of issue, 2014.