5 Markkaa

Finland's declaration of independence in December 1917 was followed almost immediately by a brutal civil war, and Suomen Pankki found itself issuing currency under conditions of acute institutional stress. The 1918 series, including this 5 Markkaa, was produced while the country was effectively divided between Red and White administrations, each attempting to project financial authority.

Circulated notes from this issue frequently show heavy use — paper was not always well-handled during the conflict months, and many examples passed through areas where banking infrastructure had broken down entirely.