Grand-Duchy Of Finland, Russian Empire, 20 Markkaa, 1903

The cat dragged in an unusual one in these lands. I had not known Finland's coinage of this time, it is far from my collecting interest. But could not resist when I saw these were made to the standard of the Latin Monetary Union. And it has a nice imperial eagle on the reverse. Or is it the obverse?

I think neither the Russian Empire not the Grand-ducky joined the LMU formally but it is one of those that struck coins to the standard. Some day I may attempt to get one from each country.



The same coin, photographed with light source from the top and from the side.


I am finding it hard to evaluate. The coin has pristine high fields but the flat ones have some striations. More noticeable under the crown. I think those are from die polishing. One is deep enough to catch the light in some angles but cannot be post-minting damage because it does not affect the head of the eagle.

I am guessing this kind of die was the normal standard of the Helsinki mint at the some? To me the coin appears uncirculated, with some few bag marks. What do you think?