10 Markkaa

The 10 Markkaa coin was struck in both gold and silver, a practical choice that let it function as everyday money and occasional prestige item over its long run.

Silver versions dominated from 1861, circulating through Finland's imperial days under Russia and into independence. Gold ones popped up later, mostly for events like anniversaries, though exact years varied. Helsinki's mint handled most production, but they sourced blanks from abroad at times, including from German suppliers in the early 1900s.

We don't have complete mintage figures; some records burned in a 19th-century fire. That said, the silver coins wore down quickly in use, while gold ones stayed pristine, which is why they're pricier now.

Early designs featured a crowned coat of arms, shifting to simpler republican motifs after 1917. It's no surprise these coins adapted; Finland had to pivot currencies when joining the euro.