Estonia 1 Mark 1926

History

Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com

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: Georg Vestenberg

Obverse	Animal (fish, bird, mammal etc.) Lion Coat of arms Estonia Tree, flower, plant etc. Oak Depicts the coat of arms of Estonia (1925–1940). 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.
Reverse	Depicts the denomination, while the country name (Estonian Republic) is positioned above it, and the issuing year date is located below. EESTI VABARIIK 1 MARK 1926
Edge	Reeded (milled)