Collector coin honours the birth of composer Fredrik Pacius

A silver collector coin will be launched in memory of Fredrik (Friedrich) Pacius at the World Money Fair in Berlin on February 6, 2009. This year marks the 200th anniversary of the composer’s birth.

Fredrik Pacius, born in Germany, is best known as the composer of the Finnish national anthem, but he also composed the first Finnish opera, "The Hunt of King Charles". The premiere of the opera was one of the most significant cultural events during the period of autonomy and began the success story of Finnish opera.

Sculptor Pertti Mäkinen won the public competition arranged for the design of the coin that was launched at the World Money Fair in Berlin. His proposal “Kuulla ja kokea” (Hear and experience) symbolises the unveiling of the hitherto dormant Finnish opera. The collector coin has a nominal value of 10 euros. Its diameter is 38.6 mm, weight 25.5 g and silver content 92.5 per cent. Up to 35,000 coins are minted, of which 28,000 are minted in proof quality and 7,000 in Bu quality.

“Finnish opera is important to us for two reasons; it has contributed to the construction of a Finnish identity and also made us Finns part of the European cultural heritage. The Finnish opera is a success story that for its part promotes creative Finnish expertise in the world. The collector coin reminds people who love music, Finland fans, travellers and collectors of the groundbreaking significance that Fredrik Pacius’ lifework still carries today," says Maarit Aarni-Sirviö, Mint of Finland’s CEO.

You can order the Fredrik Pacius collector coin from our official retailers. In Finland it can also be ordered from Rahapaja Moneta by phone +358 (0)10 80 80 40 or online at www.rahapajamoneta.fi. The collector coin is also available at certain Finnish Post Offices and many coin dealers.

Further information:
Henna Karjalainen
Communications Manager
Mint of Finland Ltd.
Tel. +358 (0)50 575 9197
Email henna.karjalainen@mint.fi