2016-06-11 Sat

On April 25th, Finland issued its first circulating commemorative ringed-bimetallic €2 coin with a copper-nickel core and a copper-aluminum-nickel ring celebrating the greatest accomplishments of the renowned poet Eino Leino.

The influential writer had released over 70 books of poems and stories covering topics like nature, love, and despair. Even after so many years, his books are read widely in Finland. The two-part poetry anthology Helkavirsiä, released in 1903 and 1916 is considered to be some of this greatest works as per the Mint of Finland. 2016 would mark the 100th anniversary of this popular series.

The obverse of the coin depicts fire and flame, which symbolises Leino's contrasting work. Other inscriptions include Leino’s name, ‘2016’, the FI for Finland, the mintmark of the Mint of Finland and the 12 stars of the European flag. The common reverse depicts a map of the European Union.

The mintage limit for this coin is 1 million and a roll of 25 coins is available for €90, that of 10 coins costs €41 and the Proof coin costs €24.