1 Penni from 1900

This is a 1 Penni item from 1900. The item features the letter 'N' with a crown on one side.

Finland, Grand Duchy under Russian Rule – 1 Penni 1909

Finland, 1 Penni, dated 1909, struck during the period when Finland was the Grand Duchy of Finland under the Russian Empire. This copper denomination forms part of Finland’s pre-independence coinage, issued before the country became independent in 1917. Although Finland was under Russian rule at the time, its coinage retained a distinct local identity, with Finnish denominations such as penni and markka used alongside imperial-style symbols.

The obverse features the crowned imperial monogram, representing the authority of the Russian emperor over the Grand Duchy of Finland. The ornate crowned lettering is typical of Finnish copper coinage from this period, giving the coin a formal imperial appearance while still remaining clearly Finnish in denomination and monetary system. The design is simple but historically meaningful, reflecting Finland’s semi-autonomous status within the Russian Empire.

The reverse displays the denomination “1 PENNI” in large central lettering, with the date 1909 below. The layout is clean and practical, with a beaded border around the edge. The denomination and date remain clearly visible, making this a fully identifiable example of the type. The 1 penni was a small everyday copper coin, used for minor transactions at the beginning of the 20th century.

This example shows an attractive even brown copper patina, with lighter circulation wear across the raised details. The surfaces show minor marks, small oxidation spots, and normal age-related wear, consistent with a coin that saw practical use over a century ago. The crowned monogram, denomination, date, and border remain well defined, and the coin has a pleasing overall appearance for a circulated copper issue.

Historically, this coin belongs to the final years of imperial Russian administration in Finland. Coins of this type are interesting not only as small copper denominations, but also as pieces connected to the political and monetary history of Finland before independence. They represent a period when Finland had its own coinage and institutions, while still formally existing under the Russian crown.

A good collectible example for those interested in Finnish coinage, Russian imperial-era territories, Nordic copper coins, or early 20th-century European minor denominations.

Auction-style description:

Finland, Grand Duchy under Russian rule, 1 Penni 1909. Copper issue with crowned imperial monogram on one side and denomination “1 PENNI” with date on the other. Brown patinated surfaces with light to moderate circulation wear, small marks, and minor oxidation spots. The date, denomination, monogram, and beaded border remain clear and readable. An attractive and historically interesting Finnish copper coin from the late Russian imperial period, issued only a few years before Finland’s independence. Sold as pictured.