2011 Finland €5 Issue "Regions: Karelia"

• Mint: Mint of Finland
• Denomination: €5
• Quality: Proof/BU
• Issue limit: 20,000/100,000
• Alloy: Base Metal, bi-metal
• Diameter: 27.25 mm
• Weight: 8.5 grams
• Design: Nora Tapper
• Box/Capsule: No/No
• Certificate: Proof in printed folder

Additional Information

Please click here for an external web page in English!

The Karelia provincial coin inspires thoughts of a province in which many Finns have ties. The provincial coin captures the tradition of Karelian birchcraft. Many Finns have their roots in Karelia. Traditional Karelian dishes, such as Karelian pasties (open rye pastry cases filled with rice), are popular delicacies throughout all of Finland. Its history is a tumultuous one, but there will always be a place for Karelia in the hearts of Finns.

The obverse side of the Karelia provincial coin shows off the beautiful artisan handicraft tradition of the Karelians, depicting the birchcraft that is part of this tradition. The handicrafts were made of birch bark cut with a thin-bladed knife in early summer or autumn and include countless items such as small baskets, shoes, knapsacks and shepherd's horns. Birch bark was known as a robust, water-resistant material that skilful people could also use to make a handy drinking vessel. The reverse side of the Karelia provincial coin depicts the coat of arms of the Karelia historical province.