Finnish 2 Penni 1890

The 1890 2 Penni coin from Finland under Russian rule was struck using bronze recycled from artillery shells, a practical reuse in an era of military surplus.

That makes it a modest survivor from the empire's fringes. The obverse shows the Finnish coat of arms, a lion with a sword, while the reverse features the Russian Imperial eagle—two symbols crammed onto one small disc, like an awkward family portrait.

We don't know the exact mintage; records from the Helsinki Mint are spotty, thanks to wars and revolutions. What’s clear is that these coins handled everyday transactions in a Finland pushing for autonomy.

If you squint, that eagle almost looks like it's trying to fly away.