ObverseImage: Wikimedia Commons · cgb · CC BY-SA 3.0
20 Markkaa
Finland
1879–1912
Reference data compiled from public catalogs
Estimated Melt Value
$895.38
Based on Gold spot price ($4,797.48/oz) · 90.0% purity · 6.45g
Updated 6:36 PM
Collector premium not included
Specifications
| Country | Finland |
| Years Minted | 1879–1912 |
| Composition | 90% gold, 10% copper |
| Weight | 6.45 g |
| Diameter | 21.5 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Edge | Reeded |
Design
Obverse
Features the portrait of the Russian Emperor, such as Alexander II or Nicholas II, facing right.
Reverse
Displays the Finnish coat of arms surrounded by the denomination and date.
History & Notable Facts
The 20 Markkaa gold coin, first struck in 1879, bore the portrait of Tsar Alexander II on its obverse, a reminder that Finland's currency still answered to St. Petersburg despite growing autonomy.
This design choice reflected Finland's tricky position as a grand duchy. The reverse showed the Finnish coat of arms—a lion with a sword—flanked by the value and date. Weighing about 6.45 grams in 900 fine gold, it was meant for substantial transactions, like buying land or settling debts.
Mintage figures vary by year; records for the 1880s were patchy due to administrative shifts in Helsinki. No one knows exactly how many survived the wars that followed.
Some specimens show die cracks from hurried production runs. That's numismatics for you—imperfections that tell a story, not a myth.
Buy on eBay
AI Analysis & Price Prediction
The 20 Markkaa has shown consistent appreciation over the past decade. Based on historical auction data, population reports, and current market sentiment, our AI model projects...
Get AI-powered analysis for this coin
Unlock with Pro — $9.99/mo