This preview for the Stack’s Bowers Galleries October Collectors Choice Online Auction of Ancient and World coins is the first gold coin issued for independent Finland. Russian Emperor Alexander I conquered Finland in 1809, though he granted the new "Grand Duchy of Finland" some autonomy within the empire. The Finnish nationalists seized an opportunity for independence when the Bolshevik revolution of 1917 threw the Russian state into turmoil. After declaring independence, Finland faced a brief but bitter civil war between the "Reds" (Russian communists) and the "Whites" (Finnish nationalists). The Whites were assisted by the German Empire, who planned to install a German as Finland’s monarch. The collapse of the German Empire and their defeat in World War I ended that plan, leading to an independent democratic republic for Finland.
The Finnish lion dominates the obverse design, easily distinguishable from other heraldic lions as its right forearm is replaced with an armored human arm brandishing a sword. The crowned lion tramples a Russian sabre, a defiant gesture toward their previous overlords. The date is bisected by the lion design, with the Finnish and English words for Finland above and below the lion, respectively. The reverse denotes the value within a spruce wreath: "100" with "MARKKAA" just below. This piece is certified by NGC at Mint State-66 and stands as the single finest certified example at either NGC or PCGS. Crisp strike details and lovely satiny surfaces provide exceptional eye appeal and are sure to elicit spirited bidding.
We are currently accepting consignments of World and Ancient coins and World Paper Money for our October 2018 Collectors Choice Online Auction, as well as for our January 2019 New York International Auction. We are also seeking consignments of Chinese and other Asian coins and currency for our March 2019 Hong Kong Showcase Auction. Time is running short, so if you are interested in consigning your coins and paper currency (whether a whole collection or a single rarity) be sure to contact one of our Consignment Directors.
