The Mint of Finland has announced the issue of new collector gold coins on the 17th June, which are in commemoration of the country’s first constitution that came into effect on the 17th July 1919. With Finland’s declaration of independence after the collapse of the Russian Empire and their change of structure from that of a grand duchy to a sovereign state, the question of a written constitution was given high priority. During the turmoil of fighting during the Great War and the initial election of a king for Finland, the final document signed into law would govern the country as a republic for more than 50 years.
The fundamental principles of the Constitution Act of 1919 and the earlier Parliament Act of 1906, a remnant of the days of the Grand Duchy, were amended in 1928. During this time, there was little pressure for any amendments to the Constitution Act. However, this did not prevent the constitution from adapting to change. The most extensive and essential reforms came in 1987, when provisions on the holding of consultative referendums were added to the constitution.
In 1995, a working group of experts called the Constitution 2000 Working Group, held a purpose to author new regulations after Finland’s accession to the European Union. On the 12th February 1999, Parliament gave its approval for the Committee’s proposal for the new constitution to be decided upon after the next upcoming parliamentary elections, which was approved in June that same year.
Hover to zoom.
The coins are produced by the Mint of Finland at their facilities in Vantaa, on behalf of the Finnish Finance Ministry and the Bank of Finland, and are designed by Dario Vidal. The obverse side of the coins focuses on the basic tenets of the Finnish Constitution Act of 1919, which still form the foundation of Finland’s current constitution and its development during Finnish independence. The design reflects the core tenets of representative democracy, the separation of powers into the legislative, executive, and judiciary branches in a universal, abstract expression. The year of issue, 2019, is placed to the right.
The reverse depicts three partly fused circles symbolising the separation of powers. The text SUOMI FINLAND is placed above the primary design and the coin’s denomination of 100 € is shown below. The mintmark “V” and the Mint of Finland’s logo are placed on either side of the central motif.
| Denom. | Metal | Weight | Diameter | Quality | Maximum Mintage |
| €100 | .917 Gold | 5.65 g | 22 mm | Proof | 1,300 |
| €100 (numbered) | .917 Gold | 5.65 g | 22 mm | Proof | 100 |
The gold Proof quality coins are packaged in a clear protective casing set in a Finnish birch veneer frame. The frame is wrapped in a sleeve and comes with a certificate of authenticity telling the commemorative coin’s story, along with the technical specifications of the product. A special issue of just 100 pieces, which will be individually numbered, will also be available. The coins are scheduled for release on the 17th June and those who wish to purchase one of the coins are advised to initiate an order as soon as possible, due to the small mintage. For more information, please visit the website of the Mint of Finland.
❑
Leave a Reply