5 markkaa 1909

Common. The 5 Markkaa 1909 Pick-24(1) issue had a substantial print run typical of circulating currency during this period in the Grand Duchy. While it is now over 110 years old and increasingly difficult to find in high grades, the denomination and issuing authority were not short-lived, and the catalog designation 'Litt. A' indicates this is a standard printing variety rather than a rare variant. Notes from this series remain available in numismatic markets, typically at moderate collector pricing.

Issued in 1909 by Suomen Pankki during Finland's period as an autonomous Grand Duchy within the Russian Empire, this note prominently displays the Tsarist double-headed eagle and includes text in Finnish, Swedish, and Russian Cyrillic. The guarantee of redemption in gold ('kullassa/guld/zolotom') reflects the international gold standard system in effect during this pre-World War I period. The depiction of rowing on the reverse—showing a traditional Finnish lake landscape—represents the country's cultural identity while under Imperial sovereignty.

The obverse features a centralized ornamental circular design framed by blue decorative borders, dominated by the Russian Imperial double-headed eagle positioned at the top center—symbolizing Finland's status as a Grand Duchy under Tsarist rule. The reverse displays an oval medallion with a detailed engraved landscape vignette depicting a traditional Finnish rowing scene on a lake with trees along the shoreline and figures in a boat, elements that anchor Finnish national identity. Below the landscape scene sits the heraldic coat of arms of Finland—featuring a crowned lion shield—contained within the oval frame. The ornamental chain-link border design surrounding the oval medallion provides additional security and aesthetic appeal. Large denomination numerals '5' appear in opposite corners on both sides, with scrollwork and floral designs filling the corners throughout. The fine crosshatching or linen-pattern texture visible on the cream background provided both security and durability to the note.

FRONT - Finnish: 'SUOMEN PANKKI' (Bank of Finland), 'MAKSAA TASTÄ SETELISTA' (Pays from this note), 'VIISI MARKKAA KULLASSA' (Five marks in gold). Swedish: 'FINLANDS BANK' (Bank of Finland), 'INLÖSER DENNA SEDEL MED' (Redeems this note with), 'FEM MARK I GULD' (Five marks in gold). Other: '1909' (year), 'Litt. A' (printing variety designation), Serial number '0092949'. BACK - Finnish/Swedish: 'SUOMEN PANKKI · FINLANDS BANK' (Bank of Finland), Denomination '5'. Russian (Cyrillic): 'ФИНЛЯНДСКИЙ БАНКЪ · ПЯТЬ МАРОКЪ ЗОЛОТОМЪ' (Finnish Bank - Five marks in gold). Fine print text around borders appears to contain legal/regulatory information in mixed languages.

This note was produced using engraving and intaglio printing techniques, evidenced by the fine detail preservation visible in the landscape vignette, the security borders, and the sharp denomination numerals. The detailed crosshatching patterns and fine line work characteristic of 19th-century security printing are clearly observable. The note was likely printed by the Russian Imperial Printing House or a contractor selected by the Russian government, as was standard for Grand Duchy of Finland currency during this period. The multi-color design (blue and cream on white) suggests a multi-pass printing process.

The 'Litt. A' designation visible on the note indicates this is the 'A' printing variety of the 1909 5 Markkaa issue. According to catalog references, varieties exist both with and without watermarks, though the specific assignment of watermark presence to particular signatures and printing varieties is not definitively documented. The serial number '0092949' and the presence of matching serial placements on both sides are consistent with the standard issue format. Collectors should note that signature varieties may exist within this Pick number classification, and watermark examination would be necessary to fully identify all sub-varieties.