Finland 2 Euro “State Visits of Finland – Diplomacy and Foreign Policy” – BU Quality in Coincard FI / SE

Every year, Helsinki Mint launches commemorative coins, as commissioned by the Finnish Ministry of Finance. In 2025, we launch a 2 Euro commemorative coin for State Visits of Finland – Diplomacy and Foreign Policy, in BU Quality. 

State Visits of Finland

State Visits have always been important to Finland when it comes to diplomatic relations between the states and the execution of foreign policy. Hundreds of years ago, state visits came in the form of marriages between royal families, which could lead to military alliances and decision making in politics. After World War I, when many new nation states emerged in Europe, state visits required a new appearance. Nevertheless, many traditions, such as ceremonial receptions, joint public appearances, dinners and cultural events has been maintained. 

The future

For a long time, the most important state visits were to Moscow and Washington DC, but as Finland joined the EU, the major economic powers of Central and Eastern Europe took on a more important position. The Finnish presidents have excellent opportunities to present the country’s foreign policy, while at the same time opening the door to the export industry and cultural cooperation. With these statements and appearances, Finland presidents, each in their own way, represent the values, principles and goals of Finland and its culture. That is probably the most important function of state visits nowadays.

Design

The Finland 2 Euro “State Visits of Finland – Diplomacy and Foreign Policy’ – BU Quality comes in a gold coloured coincard which is designed by Helsinki Mint. It represents the connection between Finland and the rest of the world. The text on the obverse is in Finnish and Swedish, the reverse contains the text in English. The BU Quality coincard with the Finland text on the obverse and English on the reverse can be found here. 

The 2 euro coin, as designed by Sinikka Inkeroinen-Huhta and Ilkka Huhta, uses a door to symbolize state visits and diplomatic relations between nations. Behind the door, negotiations take place, relationships are formed and the future is build. The obverse shows a glossy version of the door, with its surroundings roughly. The reverse shows the same door, but with a more roughly surface and a smooth and glossy surrounding.