5 markkaa 1939

Common. eBay auction data shows consistent sales of Fair-graded examples ranging from $0.99 to $6.50 over more than a decade, with an average price around $3-4 for this condition grade. The catalog values from 2016 list VF at only $3 and UNC at $10, indicating this is a widely available note with substantial print runs. No historical records suggest limited production or recall.

Issued by Suomen Pankki in 1939, this note represents Finnish monetary sovereignty during the final years before World War II. The oak tree imagery on the obverse reflects Finnish national identity and the country's natural heritage, while the heraldic lion in the shield on the reverse represents the Finnish coat of arms, both symbolic of the newly independent nation's pride during the interwar period.

The obverse features a large circular vignette centered on the note containing a majestic oak tree, rendered in fine engraving with detailed foliage, surrounded by ornamental rosette patterns in all four corners and decorative border work along the left and right margins. The denomination '5' appears prominently in the corners and center areas with 'SUOMEN PANKKI' and its Swedish equivalent bilingual inscriptions reflecting Finland's dual official languages. The reverse displays a vertically-oriented heraldic shield at center featuring the Finnish lion passant guardant (standing lion), surrounded by an ornamental wreath and foliage design, with denomination numerals flanking the shield. Both sides employ fine crosshatch and dot pattern backgrounds for security purposes.

Front side: '5' (denomination), 'SUOMEN PANKKI' (Bank of Finland in Finnish), 'VIISI MARKKAA' (Five marks in Finnish), 'FINLANDS BANK' (Bank of Finland in Swedish), 'FEM MARK' (Five marks in Swedish), 'Litt. D' (series designation), '1939' (year of issue), 'B 8908772' (serial number). Back side: '5' (denomination in corner positions).

Intaglio engraving (line engraving), a security printing method standard for Finnish banknotes of this era. The fine line work visible in the borders, portraits, wreath designs, and background patterns, combined with the characteristic impression and depth observable in the imagery, confirms traditional intaglio production. This note was likely produced by the Finnish State Printing Office (Valtion Painatuskeskus) or a contracted security printer contracted to Suomen Pankki.

Series designation 'Litt. D' is visible on the observed example. Serial number 'B 8908772' indicates this is from the B series. Known varieties for this Pick-69 issue include different letter series (A, B, C, D) and corresponding serial number ranges. The signature(s) visible in the center area may vary by series or printing run, though specific signatory identification would require higher magnification than the visual analysis provides. No overprints or special markings are evident on this example.