Finland Issues Mika Waltari 10 Euro Silver Coin

The Mint of Finland has issued a new 10 euro commemorative silver coin honoring the 100-year anniversary of Finnish writer Mika Waltari’s birth. Waltari was born in Helsinki on September 18, 1908. In the same city and day of this year, a celebration prepared by the Mika Waltari Association was held and the coin was launched.

Waltari is considered one the most prolific Finish writers from the 20th-century. He wrote an array of novels, plays, poetry and even fairy-tales that are enjoyed around the world and in many languages. He is perhaps best known for authoring The Egyptian. The new commemorative has a touch of the ancient Egyptian style in its design.

An open competition sparked 27 coin design proposals. A panel along with Joel Elstelä as a representative of the Waltari family selected the winning theme by Reijo Paavilainen.

The reverse side of the coin depicts a vigilant Pharaoh watchdog. Paavilainen named his work "Tekstinvartija," or "Text guard". The obverse ("heads" side) is decorated with the signature of Waltari and a stylized pen nib that symbolizes the diversity of the writer’s body of work.

The commemorative coin has a diameter of 38.6 mm, weighs 25.5 grams and is made from an alloy that contains "925 per mille silver of the total weight." Mintages have been set at 15,000 proof and 5,000 brilliant uncirculated.

The silver coin may be ordered at www.rahapajamoneta.fi, and through certain Finnish Postal Offices. Visit www.mint.fi for a listing of international distributors.