A new book will soon be available on the banknote history of the Grand Duchy of Finland. Written by Antti Heinonen and published by the Bank of Finland, Ruplista markkoihin – Suomen suuriruhtinaskunnan setelit 1812‒1898 (From rouble to markka – banknotes of the Grand Duchy of Finland 1812‒1898) describes the period of the Grand Duchy of Finland from the perspective of banknotes.
Initially, banknote supply decisions were taken as an integral part of the Russian monetary system. The unrest caused by the Crimean War, however, led to determined efforts to make the Finnish monetary system independent and put control over banknotes into the hands of the Finns. At the same time, the Bank of Finland turned to a new benchmark group; examples and expertise were sought from the Nordic countries and Central Europe instead of St Petersburg.
The changes in political thinking were also reflected in the selection of banknote motifs and symbols. In this respect, the monetary system of the Grand Duchy of Finland was unique and, despite the Russian authorities’ attempts to limit Finland’s control over banknotes, the monetary system paved the way to Finland’s independence.
The book combines in an interesting way information from different sources with previously unpublished photographic material. Together with Heinonen’s earlier books, Sodan ja rauhan rahat (Money of war and peace), Viimeiset markat (The last markka banknotes) and The first euros, this work covers the entire banknote history of Finland.
The author, Antti Heinonen, has had an exceptional international career in the field of banknotes. He is currently Chairman of the Banknote Ethics Initiative (BnEI), which aims to prevent corruption and promote competence within the banknote industry. Previously, he was Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Central Bank Counterfeit Deterrence Group (CBCDG) and Director, Banknotes at the European Central Bank. Prior to joining the ECB in 1998, Antti Heinonen was Chief Cashier of the Bank of Finland.
Ruplista markkoihin – Suomen suuriruhtinaskunnan setelit 1812‒1898 (From rouble to markka – banknotes of the Grand Duchy of Finland 1812‒1898) can be purchased at bookshops and from the Bank of Finland Museum. The book is published by Edita.
A publication event for the book will be held on Tuesday, 23 October 2018 at 5.00 p.m. at the Bank of Finland Museum, address Snellmaninkatu 2, Helsinki. The entrance is free of charge.
For additional information, please contact the museum’s curator, Jaakko Koskentola, tel. +358 9 183 2607.