20 markkaa 1939
Market Prices
9 salesAbout This Note
A handsome example of Finland's 1939 20 markkaa banknote in Very Fine condition, featuring the iconic pine tree design that characterizes this classic interwar Finnish currency. The note displays the characteristic purple/violet coloring and fine engraving typical of this issue, with light circulation wear, minor aging, and foxing consistent with VF grade. This Pick-71 note represents an important piece of Finnish monetary history from the final year before World War II's outbreak.
Common. The eBay market data provided shows consistent sales in the $2-$8 range for circulated examples in F-VF condition, with even PMG-graded examples (PMG 66) selling between $39-$64. The 2016 catalogue value of $3 for VF-graded notes aligns with observed market prices. Print runs for this series were substantial, and the note has survived in reasonable quantities through the post-war period. No evidence of limited mintage, recall, or scarcity factors.
Issued by Suomen Pankki (Bank of Finland) in 1939, this banknote reflects Finland's independent monetary policy during the interwar period, shortly before the nation's involvement in the Winter War and Continuation War. The prominent pine tree depicted on the front symbolizes Finland's natural wealth and national identity, a common motif in Scandinavian currency design of this era. The heraldic arms on the reverse represent Finnish state authority during a pivotal moment in the nation's twentieth-century history.
The front features a large, detailed engraving of a mature pine or similar Nordic tree with a full, spreading canopy as the central vignette, symbolizing Finland's forests and natural resources. The tree is framed by ornamental circular medallions in the top corners bearing the denomination '20' within decorative borders. Two authorized signatures (K. Heikki and A. Lajola) appear below the tree. The reverse displays an elaborate heraldic design within an ornamental oval frame, likely representing the Finnish coat of arms or state seal, surrounded by intricate geometric patterns and decorative guilloche work. The entire note employs symmetrical design with repeated ornamental elements in corners and along borders.
Front side: '20' (denomination in corners), 'Litt. D' (series letter designation), 'SUOMEN PANKKI' (Finnish: Bank of Finland), 'FINLANDS BANK' (Swedish: Bank of Finland), 'TJUGU MARK' (Swedish: Twenty Mark), 'C 7500151' (serial number), 'K. Heikki' and 'A. Lajola' (authorized signatures), '1939' (issue year). Back side: '20' (denomination displayed in lower corners). Bilingual Finnish-Swedish inscriptions reflect Finland's dual-language official status.
Intaglio engraving (copperplate), as evidenced by the fine line work, intricate crosshatching, detailed guilloche patterns, and the sharp, crisp definition visible throughout the design. The density of parallel lines, radiating fan patterns, and filigree work throughout indicates professional security printing by Finland's central bank printing facility. This represents the highest standard of banknote engraving technology of the 1930s era.
Graded as Pick-71a variant per PMG population data. The note displays 'Litt. D' designation indicating this is from the Letter D series of the 1939 issue. Serial number C 7500151 suggests mid-range production. The signatures of K. Heikki and A. Lajola are consistent with authorized signing officials of this period. No overprints or significant deviations from the standard design observed.
