10 markkaa 1945

Common. The eBay pricing data provided shows consistent sales in the $5.50–$32 range across multiple condition grades over nearly a decade (2009–2019), with the EF example noted selling for only $5.50 in 2019. Catalog values from 2016 place EF/UNC examples at $10 or less. This wide availability in the secondary market, combined with modest price points across all grades, indicates a substantial surviving population with no scarcity premium. The 1945 denomination and issue do not have documented characteristics of limited print runs or recalls.

This 1945 issue represents Finland's currency during the immediate aftermath of World War II, following the country's separation from the Soviet Union and establishment of independence. The pine tree depicted on the obverse is a national symbol reflecting Finland's extensive forests and timber economy, which were crucial to the country's post-war recovery and economic development. The heraldic coat of arms on the reverse reinforces Finnish national identity during this critical period of reconstruction and sovereignty.

The obverse features a stylized pine tree (Pinus sylvestris), Finland's national tree, rendered within an ornate circular frame as the central design element. The denomination '10' is presented in shield-shaped cartouches positioned in the top left and right corners, a common security feature of the period. Ornamental borders with geometric repeating patterns run vertically along both edges. The reverse displays the Finnish coat of arms—a heraldic shield with crown-like elements representing national sovereignty. Large, outlined numerals '10' dominate both the left and right sides of the reverse. Both sides employ a dense stippled and fine-line engraving technique creating visual depth and anti-counterfeiting security. The overall color scheme of rose/mauve pink on cream background was characteristic of Finnish banknotes of this era.

FRONT: 'SUOMEN PANKKI KYMMENEN MARKKAA' (Bank of Finland Ten Markkaa) in Finnish; 'FINLANDS BANK TIO MARK' (Bank of Finland Ten Mark) in Swedish; '10' in shield designs (upper left and right corners); 'Litt. A' (Letter A - printer or series designation); '1945' (year of issue); 'B9791163' (serial number, repeated). BACK: '10' appearing in large outlined numerals on both left and right sides; coat of arms design in center (no inscriptions accompanying the heraldic symbol).

Intaglio (copperplate) engraving, evidenced by the fine line work, detailed geometric patterns in the borders, and the dense stippled background on the reverse. The complex circular design around the tree and the intricate heraldic shield demonstrate the precision typical of high-security banknote production. The note was produced by the Bank of Finland's printing works; specific external security printer information for this Pick number is not definitively established in standard references, though Finnish banknotes of this period were typically produced in-house or through established European security printers.

The observed example is marked 'Litt. A' (Letter A), indicating this is from the primary or standard printing series of the 1945 issue. The serial number prefix 'B' and format are consistent with the standard series. No overprints, color variations, or other distinguishing varieties are evident in the visual analysis. The Pick catalog designation P-77 encompasses the standard 1945 issue without documented major sub-varieties that would significantly affect valuation.