1913 Finland 10 markkaa Nikolai II (1894–1917), kantskade, 01

Product information

Finland – Grand Duchy, 10 Markkaa 1913 S

The obverse bears the Russian imperial double-headed eagle holding an orb and sceptre. Nicholas II was formally Grand Duke of Finland, and his imperial emblem appears on the country’s own gold coinage. The reverse explicitly states the coin’s gold content and fineness.

The markka was introduced by imperial decree on 4 April 1860, its name having been selected through an open competition. Among the suggestions were omena (apple) and suomo (derived from Suomi, the Finnish name for Finland). The winning name, markka, shares its etymological roots with the German Mark, just as its subsidiary unit, the penni, does with the Pfennig.

In 1878, Finland adopted the gold standard, linking the markka to the French franc. Finnish currency thereby became convertible at fixed gold parities with the currencies of the Latin Monetary Union, comprising France, Belgium, Switzerland and Italy. Russia itself did not adopt the gold standard until 1897, almost two decades after its own autonomous Grand Duchy.

Finland – Grand Duchy
Nicholas II, 1894–1917
10 Markkaa 1913 S
Gold / 3.2258 g / .900 / 18.9 mm
Helsinki Mint (S)
Grade: 01 – Edge damage

Fr. 6 / KM 8.2 / Bitk. 394