Finnish nature showcase on a new pair of silver coins based on an award-winning photograph

Finland have debuted their latest proof silver coin and instead of one of the unusual stylistic designs with an equally unusual subject that they seem to specialise in, the Mint of Finland has released a nature coin. Reproducing an award-winning photograph of a crow by Finnish nature photographer Kari Auvinen, it’s a straightforward transition, with a little added detail instead of going with a silhouette look.

In typical Finnish fashion there will be two variants up for grabs. The one of most interest will be the €20 coin struck in 25.5 grams of sterling silver. It’s crown-sized so despite coming in at under an ounce in weight, it still manages to attain a good diameter. Some 5,000 of these coins will be struck and they will sell for $61.00. A very limited run of numbered coins, just 100 pieces, will be sold packaged in a glass case and these are quite well sought after, although at €100, considerably more expensive.

A cheaper variant with a mintage of 10,000 (100 numbered coins will be randomly mixed into the mintage) is also available. At just 10.0 grams in weight with a 28.5 mm diameter, it’s a lot smaller and struck in silver that’s only 50% pure (0.500). Easily the cheapest way to get the design, this version sells for €38.00. The design remains the same on both the €20 and €10 euro coins, with just the denomination on the obverse differing. The obverse is quite sparse, containing just the text ‘2017 SUOMI FINLAND xx EURO’ on what looks to be a lightly textured background meant to simulate the moon.

A nice change for Finnish coin collectors, if not one pushing any boundaries in the wider nature coin market. Both are packaged in neat-looking boxes although they’re not as solid as a traditional coin box. Available to pre-order now, the coin will ship from the 18th September.