Finland will be releasing its latest silver coin for sale from 18 August, and it’s a celebration of the Finnish work ethic. Quite an unusual subject for a coin, the designers at the Mint of Finland have an ability to make some very unusual, and quite stylish designs, from the most esoteric of subjects. The end result is often a very Finnish subject given much broader appeal.

The design by industrial designer Sauli Suomela features a symbolic representation of a fingerprint on one side, and a tree growing from a field of fingerprints on the other. Described by Sauli ”As a starting point for the design process, I thought about Finnishness, along with the nature of work and its imprint on the world. These are highly abstract concepts, even though work is often concrete by nature. I tried to find a way to express both of these aspects in an interesting and understandable way,”. According to Suomela, this design process led to a collector coin in which the fingerprint on the reverse symbolises individuality and the worker’s hand. On the obverse, a tree sprouts from the same fingerprint. ”The idea behind the design is that the mark of the human hand is the substrate and soil from which all things grow,” Suomela explains.

There are two coins carrying the design, although available three ways. The €10 coin is struck in 0.500 silver and weighs just 10.0 g, with a mintage of 10,000. It will sell for €38. The €20 coin with the same design is 25.5 g in weight, but is struck in sterling (0.925) silver. With a mintage only half that of the smaller, identically packaged coin, it will sell for €61. As is often the case, the mint makes numbered versions available. In the case of the €20 coin, this will be glass encased and available to buy for €100, with only 100 pieces to be available. The €10 coin is done differently. A total of 100 of these won’t be sold seperately, but are randomly mixed into the 10,000 coins to be struck, so it’s pure chance if you get to own one of these or not. A nice touch going with two different distribution methods; something for everyone. An unusual, clever coin.

COIN IMAGES

MINTS DESCRIPTION

The Finnish work collector coin is a fantastic addition to your own collection or a great gift to anyone working with or appreciating Finnish work.

The maximum mintage of the proof-quality EUR 10 silver Finnish work collector coin is 10,000, and 100 coins will be numbered. The number is stamped on the coin’s reverse, and the numbered coins will be mixed into the mintage at random.

The maximum mintage of the proof-quality EUR 20 silver Finnish work collector coin is 5,000, and 100 coins will be numbered.

Proof-quality Finnish work collector coins are minted with a polished die, finished, and placed in a protective clear plastic casing set in a gift box that tells the coin’s story. The coins are numbered on the reverse, and the numbered coins are sold separately in beautiful glass cases

FINNISH WORK

Finnish work has value and meaning. It stems from inspiration, competence, persistence and cooperation. The blue-and-white fingerprint is part of our shared past, present and future. It is the foundation of all growth and has earned respect around the world. Every Finn leaves their unique fingerprint on Finnish work. That is why it is easy to promote Finnish work – individually and as a nation.

Designed by Sauli Suomela and minted by Mint of Finland, the Finnish Work collector coin is itself a testament to Finnish expertise and a true and accurate reflection of the Finnish character.

ADDITIONAL IMAGES

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SPECIFICATION

DENOMINATION COMPOSITION WEIGHT DIAMETER FINISH MINTAGE BOX / COA
€20 EURO 0.925 SILVER 25.5 g 38.6 mm PROOF 5,000 YES / YES
€10 EURO 0.500 SILVER 10.0 g 28.5 mm PROOF 10,000 YES / YES

MINT LINK