Finland introduced this denomination in 1952 partly to support the logistical demands of the Helsinki Summer Olympics, which required a surge in small-denomination coinage as the country managed an influx of foreign visitors and the associated retail pressure. The aluminium bronze composition was a deliberate post-war economy measure — nickel had been diverted heavily toward wartime coinage and remained expensive, while this alloy struck cleanly and wore acceptably in circulation.
The series ran a full decade, overlapping with Finland's gradual postwar monetary stabilization following the strains of war reparations paid to the Soviet Union, completed only in 1952.
Finland introduced this denomination in 1952 partly to support the logistical demands of the Helsinki Summer Olympics, which required a surge in small-denomination coinage as the country managed an influx of foreign visitors and the associated retail pressure. The aluminium bronze composition was a deliberate post-war economy measure — nickel had been diverted heavily toward wartime coinage and remained expensive, while this alloy struck cleanly and wore acceptably in circulation.
The series ran a full decade, overlapping with Finland's gradual postwar monetary stabilization following the strains of war reparations paid to the Soviet Union, completed only in 1952.