100 markkaa 1957
Market Prices
24 salesAbout This Note
This 1957 Finnish 100 markkaa note (Pick-97) is presented in Excellent Fine (EF) condition, displaying crisp, well-preserved printing with minimal signs of age-related wear beyond light foxing typical of vintage currency from this era. The note features elegant wheat sheaf designs on the obverse and Finland's heraldic lion coat of arms on the reverse, both rendered in burgundy on cream underprint with fine line engraving work throughout. Market data indicates EF-graded examples trade in the $17-23 range, making this a moderately valued piece within the Finnish markkaa series.
Common. This is a standard issue note from Finland's widely circulated markkaa series. eBay market data spanning 2009-2025 shows consistent, modest pricing with numerous sales across multiple condition grades (F through UNC ranging $2.25-$36.10), with EF-graded examples typically selling $17-23. The 1957 date represents a standard production year with no indication of limited mintage or recall. Catalog values (2016) confirm accessibility: VF at $3, UNC at $10.
Issued in 1957 by Suomen Pankki (Bank of Finland) during the post-World War II reconstruction period, this banknote reflects Finland's agrarian heritage through its prominent wheat imagery, symbolizing the nation's agricultural foundation and economic recovery. The Finnish coat of arms featuring the heraldic lion rampant, surrounded by ornamental roses, reaffirmed national identity and sovereignty during the Cold War era when Finland maintained careful diplomatic neutrality despite Soviet proximity.
The obverse depicts a central composition of wheat or grain sheaves rendered in fine detail with multiple stalks arranged symmetrically, symbolizing Finland's agricultural economy. The reverse features the Finnish heraldic coat of arms at center—a crowned lion rampant holding a sword—surrounded by ornamental rose motifs and elaborate floral flourishes characteristic of formal heraldic presentation. Both sides employ decorative border patterns with repeating geometric elements in burgundy/maroon on cream-colored paper stock. The symmetrical, classical design reflects mid-20th century Scandinavian aesthetic sensibilities in currency design.
Front side - Finnish: '100' (denomination), 'SATA MARKKAA' (One Hundred Marks), 'SUOMEN PANKKI' (Bank of Finland), '1957' (year of issue); Serial number 'Z4507311' appears twice. Back side - Finnish: 'SUOMEN PANKKI' (Bank of Finland), 'SATA MARKKAA' (One Hundred Marks), '100' (denomination); Swedish: 'FINLANDS BANK' (Bank of Finland), 'HUNDRA MARK' (One Hundred Marks), '100' (denomination). The bilingual (Finnish-Swedish) inscriptions reflect Finland's official language policy.
Intaglio (line engraving) printing, evident from the fine, precise line work visible throughout both sides, particularly in the wheat stalks and heraldic detailing. The depth and crispness of impression characteristic of intaglio work is apparent in the border patterns and denomination numerals. This note was likely produced by a Nordic security printer, consistent with Finnish central bank currency standards of the 1950s.
Pick catalog designates this as P-97a variant. The serial number prefix 'Z' and the 1957 date establish this as a standard issue example. No reported overprints, commemorative variations, or error varieties are noted for this Pick number. PMG population data indicates only one catalogued variant for the base P-97 Pick number.
