Finland Bronze Medal 1923 - 5th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of Finland (1917–1922)

167.16g. 72mm. UNC/UNC. Attractive original surfaces, even brown patina. 

Helsingfors mint. 

Medalier: Wikström (signature on reverse below). 

Obv.: Coat of arms of Finland - crowned shield with the lion brandishing a sword and trampling a sabre, surrounded by a wreath of oak leaves. 

Legend around: 

SUOMI · JULISTAUTUI · ITSENÄISEKSI · FINLAND / FÖRKLARADE · SIG · SJÄLVSTÄNDIGT · 6 · DECEMBER · 1917 

(Finland declared itself independent, 6 December 1917). 

Rev.: Allegorical female figure of Finland standing on elevated ground, holding a laurel branch aloft in her right hand; at her side a seated lion. Below, broken chains and angel with wings, symbolizing liberation. 

This medal was issued in 1923 to commemorate the fifth anniversary of Finland’s declaration of independence on 6 December 1917. The design deliberately recalls the foundational moment of Finnish statehood, while the delayed issue reflects the political consolidation that followed the Civil War of 1918 and the early years of the young republic. The allegorical figure of Finland embodies freedom and sovereignty, while the broken chains emphasize liberation from imperial rule. Large bronze medals of this type were intended as commemorative objects rather than circulating issues, serving both as patriotic symbols and as tangible expressions of the newly established Finnish national identity.