Finland 2021 20€ Aland - 100 Years autonomy

The obverse features a summery archipelago. The field along the upper edge features the text: ÅLANDS SJÄLVSTYRELSE 100 ÅR, and along the lower edge:: AHVENANMAAN ITSEHALLINTO 100 VUOTTA.

The reverse features a human head in profile. The head is filled with important symbols of the cultural identity of Åland: a cowslip, a sailing ship, a roe deer, fishes, birds and a midsummer crown. The field along the upper edge features the text: SUOMI 2021 FINLAND, and the denomination, €20, is on the right hand side. The coin was designed by Ulrika Kjeldsen, an artist from Åland.

Åland is an autonomous, demilitarised and Swedish-speaking part of Finland. The Finnish Parliament approved the Act on Åland autonomy in spring 1920, but the final solution was reached through arbitration by the League of Nations in 1921. Finland retained sovereignty over Åland, but Åland got autonomy and guarantees for the Swedish language and the local culture and usages.

The centennial autonomy of Åland is celebrated for a full year, starting on 9 June 2021. The jubilee year celebration peaks on 9 June 2022, on the centennial of the first meeting of the Åland County Council’s first meeting in 1922.