Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 5 Marka 1922, KM# 3, Estonia
  • 5 Marka 1922, KM# 3, Estonia
Description

Although the Republic of Estonia had already been proclaimed on February 24, 1918 under the conditions of German occupation any kind of public activity to establish independent statehood was inconceivable. The opportunity to do that came only after the surrender of Germany to the victorious states of World War I on November 1st 1918. On the same day the Estonian Provisional Government reassembled, and besides other vital questions, a lot of attention was paid to developing its own financial system.

The mark was the currency of Estonia between 1918 and 1927. It was initially equivalent to the German ostmark, which had been circulating alongside the Russian ruble since the German occupation.

Engraver: Boris Krümmer

Obverse

Depicts three passant-gardant lions from the coat of arms of Estonia, dividing the issue year.

The coat of arms of Estonia showcases a shield with three lions depicted in a passant-gardant position, flanked by oak branches. Each lion symbolizes different aspects of Estonian history, representing ancient freedom struggles, uprisings in Harjumaa in 1343, and the fight for independence between 1918 and 1920. The wreath of oak leaves surrounding the coat of arms signifies Estonia's enduring resilience and commitment to freedom.

Originating from the arms of Danish king Valdemar II in 1219, these lions were initially part of the greater coat of arms of Tallinn and the surrounding fiefdoms. Despite Denmark's sale of its Estonian dominion in 1346, the lions retained their prominence in Tallinn's coat of arms and later became central to various Estonian coats of arms, including those of the Duchy of Estonia and the Governorate of Estonia. Finally, upon Estonia's independence, the Riigikogu officially adopted the national coat of arms on June 19, 1925, cementing its role as a symbol of national identity.

19 22

Reverse

Depicts the denomination with the country name (Republic of Estonia) above.

There are two varieties of this coin. The first coin has the stars on the reverse slightly askew to the left, and the second has them slightly askew to the right, because of the reengraved stamp.

EESTI VABARIIK
5
MARKA

Edge

5 Marka

1st Republic
KM# 3
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Characteristics
Material Cupronickel
Weight 4.85 g
Diameter 23 mm
Thickness 1.45 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Hirsch Kupfer- und Messingwerke AG

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