The President U. K. Kekkonen 75th birthday collector coin was very popular and banks sold it out on the first day of its issue. In 2010, Mint of Finland is re-releasing coins minted in 1975 from its vaults.

The unforgettable president Kekkonen

Urho Kekkonen, the longest-serving Finnish president of all time, is among the best remembered figures in Finnish history. Mr. Kekkonen's presidential policies and his strong personality continue to generate discussion today, and this interest shows no signs of abating. In the 2004 vote organised by the Finnish Broadcasting Company, Mr. Kekkonen was voted the third greatest Finn of all time.

Urho Kekkonen served as the president of Finland for 25 years from 1956 until 1981. Mr. Kekkonen's presidency was characterised by the exceptional conditions of the Cold War, a period in which Finland worked to strike a balance between the world's superpowers. The public supported President Kekkonen in his actions during those politically turbulent times, and he held more power than any other Finnish president before or since.

Kekkonen lived his last years in Tamminiemi

President Kekkonen officially resigned on 27 January 1982 due to health-related reasons. Kekkonen passed away at home in Tamminiemi, the former official residence of Finnish presidents, on 31 August 1986 after a long struggle with a disease.