1 markkaa 1918

Common. The 1 Markkaa 1918 (Pick-19G) from the Grand Duchy Issue is a foundational denomination from a well-established national issuer with a substantial print run. While notes from this period are historically significant and collectible, they were produced in sufficient quantities to remain readily available in the numismatic market. The AU condition grade, while desirable, does not significantly alter the rarity classification, as multiple examples in similar condition states appear regularly in collections and sales.

This note represents Finland's transitional period as an autonomous Grand Duchy within the Russian Empire, evidenced by the prominent double-headed Tsarist eagle emblem and trilingual inscriptions in Finnish, Swedish, and Russian (Cyrillic). The 'Gold Mark' (Kullassa/I Guld/Zolotom') designation reflects the gold standard backing typical of early 20th-century Nordic currency systems. The 1918 date places this issue at the critical moment of Finnish independence from Russia, making these notes historically significant artifacts of Finland's sovereignty transition.

The front side displays a formally symmetrical layout with the double-headed Imperial Russian eagle (Tsarist eagle) as the central heraldic emblem, positioned prominently at the top between bilingual bank titles. Below are two large circular medallions containing the numeral '1', flanking an ornate central decorative element featuring stylized tulips or leaf motifs consistent with early 20th-century Nordic design aesthetics. The entire composition is framed by classical Greek key pattern borders. The reverse side features an innovative security design: a radiating sunburst or star pattern emanating concentrically from a central white box containing the numeral '1', surrounded by fine wavy lines creating an optical security effect. The color scheme of rose/mauve pink with cream/off-white accents is applied throughout both sides, with the Russian Cyrillic text on the reverse serving as additional identification of the imperial period of issue.

FRONT SIDE - Finnish (left): 'SUOMEN PANKKI' (Bank of Finland), 'MAKSAA TÄSTÄ SETELISTÄ' (Pays from this banknote), 'YHDEN MARKAN KULLASSA' (One Mark in Gold). Swedish (right): 'FINLANDS BANK' (Bank of Finland), 'INLÖSER DENNA SEDEL MED' (Redeems this note with), 'EN MARK I GULD' (One Mark in Gold). Numerals: '1916' (year), '21468658' (serial number, repeated). BACK SIDE - Finnish/Swedish (top): 'SUOMEN PANKKI' / 'FINLANDS BANK' (Bank of Finland), 'MARKA' (Mark). Russian (bottom): 'ФИНЛЯНДСКИЙ БАНКЪ -1 МАРКА ЗОЛОТОМЪ' (Bank of Finland - 1 Mark in Gold), 'МАРКА' (Mark).

This note employs intaglio (engraved) printing, evidenced by the fine line work, sharp definition of intricate patterns, and the precision visible in the Greek key borders and concentric wavy lines. The security features—particularly the complex radiating geometric pattern and repetitive line work on the reverse—were specifically designed to prevent counterfeiting through the difficulty of replicating the fine detail work. The consistent quality and clarity of impression throughout the note indicates professional central bank security printing standards of the era, likely produced by a specialized security printer serving the Russian Imperial or Finnish banking authorities.

This example is identified as Pick-19G(7), indicating it is variety 7 of the G series for this denomination. The serial number 21468658 is visible on both sides of the note. The 1916 printing date appears on the note itself, though the catalog lists 1918 as the issue year, reflecting the distinction between printing date and official circulation date. Collectors should note that varieties within the Pick-19G series may differ by signature combinations, printer marks, or serial number prefixes; this specific example with the noted serial number represents a documented variety within the larger 1 Markkaa 1918 issue.