Description

The Finnish Sauna Culture commemorative coin is the first commemorative coin created collaboratively with the public. Everyone had the opportunity to influence the commemorative coin's artistic design through an idea competition. The coin paying tribute to Finnish sauna culture was then designed by Mari Metso and Erkki Vainio on the basis of the submissions. By decree of the Ministry of Finance, the Mint of Finland minted two versions of the coin, with nominal values of EUR 10 and EUR 20.

The commemorative coin with a nominal value of EUR 20 is packaged in a protective clear casing set in a birch veneer package manufactured by Finnish carpenters Puusepänliike Wooden Oy. The package is wrapped in a sleeve and comes with a certificate of authenticity telling the commemorative coin's story, along with the technical specifications of the product.

The commemorative coin was launched on 8 June, the eve of Finnish Sauna Day, which is celebrated annually on the second Saturday of June and is a voluntary flag day.

Obverse

Depicts the development of the sauna from a sauna pit to the relaxing and healthy sauna experience of today. Inscriptions in Finnish and Swedish "Finnish Sauna Culture" in spiral starting in the centre. Engraver's initial (M) on the top right. The logo of the Mint of Finland (lion) on the middle right.

Designer: Mari Metso

M
Suomalainen saunakulttuuri Den finska bastukulturen

Reverse

Depicts the predominant image of the quintessential sauna in the foreground. The chimneys are seen with smoke and steam rising from them, indicating their use. Country name in Finnish and Swedish and date above. Value below. Engraver's initial (e) on the top right.

With a population of just over five million inhabitants in Finland, there are more than three million saunas in the country, which include those built into homes or free-standing cabins dotted all over the country — usually positioned just adjacent to lakes, shorelines, ponds, and rivers. Over the years, and with an increasingly urbanised population, saunas are now very important inclusions in private apartments and recreation facilities at offices and corporate headquarters. There is even a sauna facility in the Finnish Parliament House, confirming that the sauna is indeed an important part of the Finnish national identity. Those who have the opportunity usually make time for a sauna at least once a week, with the traditional sauna day being on a Saturday, as days of the week have become busy with other activities.

Engraver: Erkki Vainio

SUOMI FINLAND 2018 e
20 EURO

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.925
Weight 25.5 g
Diameter 38.6 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Mint of Finland

Related coins

Finnish Sauna Culture

Bi-Metallic, 8.5 g, ⌀ 25.75 mm

Finnish Sauna Culture

Silver, 10 g, ⌀ 28.5 mm